While most dogs are friendly little furballs that crave human attention, some can snap under certain circumstances. There are a lot of cases where people get bitten by a dog. Injuries caused by dog bites should not be taken lightly, as they can cause severe medical, legal, and financial ramifications. In case of such an accident, it is important for both the dog owner and the victim to know what to do. So, here are a few tips you should keep in mind if you ever go through the unfortunate incident of a dog bite.
Get Medical Care
The very first thing you should do is to seek proper medical attention. Dogs who are not vaccinated can carry rabies, which is a deadly disease. If you have received a puncture wound, be sure to go to the nearest hospital and get proper treatment. If possible, you should take a few pictures before getting treated, as they will be helpful later, if you decide to take legal action against the dog owner.
Exchange Information and Document the Incident
Just as any other accident, if you are bitten by a dog, you should exchange information with the dog owner. The information should contain his name, address, and phone number. The information will not only be helpful to contact him, but you can also verify the dog's vaccination history and get properly treated for potential diseases. Also, be sure to get the contact information of nearby witnesses who saw the whole incident. It will help you build a better case against the dog owner, and you will also get an accurate idea of what actually happened.
Decide Whether to Pursue the Case
If you have been bitten by a dog, the dog owner is totally liable for any injuries or damages. However, pursuing a case is not that easy. You should consider all the pros and cons before making a decision. Court trials are a very daunting experience, and they can take a significant amount of time and money. If you have got a few punctures that were easily treated in the ER, the case might not be worth pursuing. However, if you have suffered significant injuries, filing a lawsuit is probably the best decision you can make and get compensation for your troubles.
Contact an Attorney
Most people don't know this, but dog bite incidents are so common that there are special attorneys who deal with such cases. If you have any questions related to dog bite and its legal process, you can find the answers at Millar Law Firm. Law firms like this one offer experienced lawyers who are well versed in calculating the accurate amount of compensation you should receive in case of a dog bite. These lawyers are also familiar with all the local laws as the success of a case is based on the state's dog bite laws.
On a final note, if you think you have a valid case, you should not wait for a long time. You should contact a lawyer immediately, as there is a certain time after which you can't file for a dog bite case. It differs from state to state, so you should have an idea about the limitations in your area. Most dog bite cases end in settlement, so there is only a small chance that you will actually end up in a courtroom. You should discuss what to do with your lawyer as he will give you the best possible advice on the extent to which you should follow up on a case.