A dog bite may be more serious than you think and can happen because the dog is scared, startled, or threatened. The wounds can get potentially fatal if an infection persists. So, if a dog bites you, care for your injuries first and then seek legal help for complete recovery.
A dog is a man’s best friend and makes your life joyful and meaningful. However, being bitten by a dog can be distressing and cause serious, permanent injuries. According to CDC, out of the 90+ million dogs in the United States, records suggest close to 4.7 million dog bites every year. Of those, more than 800,000 people receive medical aid, and over 28,000 undergo reconstructive surgeries.
Dog bite injuries are a serious issue and can lead to costly medical bills, missed work, or loss of quality of life. If a dog bites you at work, in a park, or on personal property, seek immediate medical attention. Open wounds, and even minor scratches, are susceptible to infections and other complications. Thus, these must be cared for adequately.
Alert the police and gather information about the dog’s owner, including contact information and a photo of his or her identification, if available. You’ll also want to know if the dog has had its recent vaccinations. Talk to witnesses and get their written statements for your safety. Also, if possible, take photographs of the injury and your surroundings.
If the wound is anywhere near the face, seek help from a cosmetic surgeon since emergency rooms may not be equipped to handle special cases. Your medical practitioner would then suggest further steps on proper healing.
Dog bites affect the lives of many. Children and the elderly are at the most risk of injuries. If a dog bites at you or a loved one, and you aren’t the owner, you may have legal options. The laws generally favor the victim upon proving that:
• The victim was lawfully present on the property where the incident happened
• The victim wasn’t provoking the dog
Further, those states with “Strict Liability” laws hold the owner liable for damages regardless of the circumstances. The dog bite victim can recover damages for medical expenses, emotional trauma, lost earnings, among other damages.
You aren’t obligated to sue a dog owner if their dog bites you. However, it is in your best interest to negotiate a settlement and shift injury costs to the dog owner or their insurance company. Seek help from a skilled dog bite lawyer to level the playing field and get you the compensation you need and deserve. If someone else’s dog wounded you or your loved one(s), Accident Aide is the name to trust. Contact us to discuss your case.
