What to Do When You’re Injured by a Dog

If you're ever attacked or witness someone being attacked by a dog, the law allows you to defend yourself and take necessary actions, thereafter.

The laws in most states permit people to take every necessary action - including killing if required - to stop a dog from attacking a person. However, it should be observed that dogs rarely engage in an unrelenting attack on an individual. Generally, dogs bite out of nervousness, fright, or misdirected suspicion.

There is a preferred course of action that needs to be taken in an incidence of dog bite. Here’s what you need to be mindful about:

What to Do Immediately

·         The first step is to get the dog owner’s name and contact number. Even if you don’t plan to claim compensation, get the information. You may change your mind later, when you realize that you hurt your ankle while trying to save yourself from the charging dog. 

·     Did anyone witness the incident? You would need their names and contact information as well. Their narration of the incident can back up your claim in case the owner refuses to accept his liability, or if you do not know the owner of the dog. The description of the dog, and witness accounts can help animal control authorities locate the owner. 

·        If you’re hurt, no matter how minor your injuries are, get medical assistance. Be prompt about visiting the doctor to get your injuries assessed. Keep a clear record of these medical bills, doctor’s reports, and hospital visits. Without properly documented medical bills, you wouldn’t have a chance to claim reimbursement for the medical expenses you bear.

·        Record a statement with the animal control authorities. This is particularly necessary in cases where the subject dog does not wear a license tag, and/or you do not know who it belongs to. Animal control authorities in the city/county will find the dog, and quarantine it. Some states require dogs involved in biting incidents to be confined in a dog pound, or at the owner’s premises for 1 to 3 weeks. This to observe it for rabies. If the owner can prove that the dog is currently vaccinated for the disease, confinement is not necessary.

While the very first step in a dog bite case is to establish the ownership of the subject dog, it is often not so simple to accomplish this feat. There are several other technicalities such as insurance coverage, liability determination, and comparative fault principles that influence the proceedings of a dog bite lawsuit.  

To make sure each aspect of your case is covered, you may want to hire a dog-bite attorney who knows the law and technicalities of a dog-bite lawsuit. Visit Barry P. Goldberg – A Professional Law Corporation in Woodland Hills, CA. They can provide you legal counsel you need on how to proceed with your lawsuit and win fair compensation for it.