Key Things To Do If You Are Bitten By A Dog
Most people never imagine that they will get a dog bite. However, dog bites are an everyday reality. Sometimes they can result in deformities or death. There are a number of things to keep in mind if this happens to you. It is important to note that you could be entitled to compensation if someone else's dog bites you. The following points will help you understand how to handle this type of emergency.
Note Severity of the Bite
Some dog bites are superficial. However, some attacks result in puncture wounds. Take pictures of the wound(s) if you have a phone with a camera. You may need to call 911 if the wound is not superficial.
Contact Information
Perhaps the owner will be present at the time of the incident. Getting their name, number, and address is ideal. An address is ideal in the event you need to take legal action. Some individuals may not want to release their addresses. A call to 911 would be ideal since offers can ask them to show ID. Another reason obtaining an address is important is because animal control will likely need to be notified. They cannot check the dog if they do not have an address for the owner. Some of these incidents occur in public places such as parks. This is why it is ideal to get the information while you have the responsible party onsite.
Determine Vaccination Status
It is important to find out if the dog's vaccinations are up-to-date. If they are not, the bite could make you seriously ill. Keep in mind that a dog owner could lie about the vaccination status of their dog. Also, if it is a stray dog or the dog owner cannot be located, you may not be able to get a confirmed answer regarding the vaccination record.
Seek Medical Attention
It is ideal to seek medical attention to ensure your health. Dog saliva has bacteria in it. There is one bacteria that some dogs have in their saliva that can result in human needing to get amputated. Death is also a potential outcome when medical attention is not sought. If you avoid medical attention after the incident and your wound gets infected, it is possible for you to get accused of not taking proper care of the wound. Medical attention is also important even if your own dog bites you.
A dog bite lawyer is a good resource to use regarding how to proceed with a dog bite incident. The rules vary by jurisdiction. Some dogs may be required to get euthanized if it is determined that they are vicious and a threat to the general public.