If you have been bitten by a dog, you may be wondering what to do. Even if the bite doesn’t break the skin, it’s still a good idea to see a doctor.
After you’ve been checked out by a professional, you may want to speak to an attorney. A good lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injury. Don’t wait any longer, call (727) 821-3195 today for a free consultation!
The Cliff Notes: Key Takeaways From This Post
We listed the steps to take after a dog bite; however, here are the key bullet points if you are in a rush:
- Seek immediate medical attention for any type of dog bite
- Determine who owns the dog if possible and contact your local animal control agency or police department
- Take photographs of your injuries, clothing, and the location of the bite
- Report the dog bite to the authorities to document details of the incident
- Contact an experienced dog bite attorney in Pinellas Park for assistance with navigating legal matters.
Seek Medical Attention ASAP
Depending on the severity of the bite, you may need to call 911. Even if it’s a relatively minor bite, you’ll want to seek medical attention immediately with either your primary doctor or at the emergency room.
Many dog bites become infected, so the wound must be properly cleaned right away. One of the main reasons why dog bites have a higher risk of becoming infected is that dogs are known for having bacteria in their mouths. When a dog bites someone, it can easily transfer that bacteria to the wound, which can then lead to an infection.
Additionally, dog bites can be particularly dangerous because they often result in deep puncture wounds, which are more likely to become infected than other types of wounds. If you are bitten by a dog, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid any potential complications.
Determine Who Owns the Dog
If you are bitten by a dog, it is important to try and identify the owner. If you are not able to identify the owner, you may have a hard time getting compensation for your injuries. Dogs that bite people can be dangerous, and the owner should be held responsible for their actions.
If you are bitten by a dog and can’t identify the owner, you should still seek medical attention right away. You may also want to contact your local animal control agency or police department to report the bite. It is important to have as much information as possible about the attack, including the date, time, and location. This information can help authorities track down the owner of the dog.
If the dog has a history of biting people, the authorities will want to know about it. This information can help them track down the owner and prevent future attacks. It is important to contact the authorities as soon as possible after being bitten by a dog. More on this later.
Take Photographs
A photograph can be an incredibly powerful piece of evidence in a dog bite case. It can provide an unassailable record of the incident, and can help to support the victim’s account of what happened. In some cases, photographs may even be used to prove that a particular dog is dangerous, and should be kept away from the public.
If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to collect as much evidence as possible. This may include photographs of your injuries, as well as pictures of the dog that bit you. Try to do this both before and after your wounds have been treated and from a couple of different angles.
If you have clothing that has been torn or bloodied in the attack, snap a picture of that as well. Finally, take some photos of the location where you were bitten. Photographic evidence is critical during the aftermath of a dog bite incident.
Report the Dog Bite to the Authorities
If you get bitten by a dog, you should report it to the authorities because it’s in your best interest. You wouldn’t go to the doctor with a broken arm and not tell them, would you? The same goes for a dog bite – you need to report it so that the authorities can take action.
Reporting a dog bite is like reporting a crime. It’s the right thing to do, and it could help protect other people from being bitten by that same dog. It could also help the authorities find the dog’s owner so they can be held responsible. So please, report any dog bites that you may have. It could save you a lot of time and trouble in the long run.
You’ll also want a legal document on record reporting the particulars of the incident. You can file a report with your local (city or county) animal control department, the police, or sheriff’s office. Having this paper trail in place will help you should the situation turn into a legal matter.
Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney in Pinellas Park
You may also want to contact a personal injury attorney, especially if the dog bite was severe enough to warrant a trip to the hospital. Don’t wait to do this either – the sooner you have an attorney on your side, the better. The laws regarding these incidents are complex, and an attorney specializing in dog bite law will be able to help you navigate this complicated situation.
The attorneys at Herman & Wells are battle-tested veterans when it comes to taking on serious dog bite cases. They have years of experience fighting in court and winning big settlements for their clients.
The team of lawyers is led by veteran trial lawyer Cliff Wells. He has been practicing law for over 20 years and has a proven track record of winning big cases. The Herman & Wells personal injury team has two rising stars in attorneys, Lauren Pozna and Grace Reeves. Both of them are trained for the courtroom, experienced with dog bite cases, and ready to take on significant challenges.
If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, don’t hesitate to call the attorneys at Herman & Wells. Call (727) 821-3195 today for a free consultation!