Dog bites should not be taken lightly. Not only can a dog bite become infected, it can cause long-term health problems and expensive medical bills. A dog bite can also have psychological effects on a person. Moreover, there is no guarantee the dog will not strike again.
What do you do after a dog has bitten you? There are several steps you can take after a dog bite to ensure your health will not be greatly affected and that you get the compensation you deserve.
Seek Medical Attention
The types of injuries caused by a dog bite vary, but in extreme cases the victim may die after being attacked by a canine. Regardless of how serious a dog bite is, you should always seek medical attention afterwards. If the skin was broken by the dog’s teeth, the likelihood of a dog bite infection is high. Get yourself to the emergency room immediately. If the bite is severe, call 9-1-1 for medical assistance.
Treat it at Home
While it is recommended to go to the hospital after a dog bite, many California residents choose to treat dog bites at home. If you choose to do so, it is important to immediately wash the wound with soap and water. Washing the wound will eliminate bacteria in and around the area. It may not stop an infection, however, which is why a trip to the emergency room is a good idea.
Report the Dog to the Authorities
After seeking medical attention, it is important to contact the local health department to report the animal, especially if you believe the dog to be a stray. Stray dogs can carry diseases like rabies. If you can identify the dog and its owner, you should contact animal control and the police. In California, you are entitled to compensation if the dog’s owner can be found. However, practically speaking, they will most likely need to be covered by their homeowners insurance policy.
In some cases, drastic steps must be taken following a bite. In Concord, California, police recently shot a dog after it bit a 10-month-old baby.
Take Photos
Once you have reported the incident, make sure you take photographs of the wound. These can be used by your attorney to prove the severity of the damage.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Due to the medical expenses and trauma a dog bite can inflict on a victim, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney. A personal injury attorney can get you a settlement that takes care of potentially extensive medical expenses.
In Fremont, California postal workers are being trained to prevent dog bites that would otherwise put them out of work.
Flahavan Law Offices
If you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite, contact Flahavan Law Offices. Flahavan Law specializes in personal injury law and can give you advice on avhieving the compensation you deserve. Flahavan Law Offices is here to help with all your personal injury law needs.