Dogs are a person’s best friend, but even the most loyal Labrador can lose control and attack someone else, causing severe injuries. According to surveys by the Humane Society of the United States and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.7 million dog bite cases are reported every year, leading to the death of 16 people. 

Furthermore, nearly 1000 US citizens daily require emergency care because of dog bites, and 12,480 people are hospitalized because of dog bite-related injuries annually. In consideration of these facts and the fact that 38.4% of Americans own a dog, there are laws that treat dog bites as a criminal penalty and allow the victim to be compensated for their loss. These laws help the victims to get the compensation they deserve for their losses. Below are the five essential things to do after a dog attack. 

1.   Seek Medical Attention

A dog bite is a serious injury and can lead to death if not dealt with in time. This is why the first thing that you should do after being bitten by a dog is to seek medical care from a professional. While superficial wounds can be easily cleaned with soap and water, you must apply antibacterial ointment to treat puncture wounds. This is an essential step as it ensures your safety, eliminates the risk of contracting rabies and helps you document your injuries for the lawsuit. Find the Dog Owner and Obtain Insurance Information

Since it is logically impossible to file a claim against the dog, you must search for the owner. If there is no owner, you will need to call animal control so that they can use the microchip in the dog’s neck to locate the furry creature and the master. This is a crucial step, as the owner is responsible for paying off the dog bite claim. In order to file a claim, you must have the following information:

• Name of the dog owner. 
• Contact information and address of the owner.
• Insurance information of the dog owner. 

This information will be readily available if the dog owner is your friend, employee, or family member. If not, you must ask them to provide the necessary information. 

2.   File a Police Report 

Whether you have the intention to pursue legal action or not, filing a police report for the dog bite case is essential. Filing a police complaint and having an official report will strengthen your insurance claim and get you the compensation you deserve. 

3.   Document the Bite

It is important to keep records of all expenses, from medical bills to the cost of therapy, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and accommodation for care. You will also need to keep track of the lost wages days and if the injury has disrupted your ability to work correctly or if you are depressed or have trouble sleeping because of the dog bite. Don’t forget to take pictures and make videos of the injury or scarring as evidence during the case.

4.   Consult a Dog Bite Lawyer 

Dog attacks can be traumatic, and it takes time and money to recover from the injury mentally, physically, and emotionally. Therefore, the last thing you should do is file the claim alone. We recommend hiring a dog bite lawyer to help you with your case while ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. A dog bite attorney will take care of all, including filing the claim, collecting evidence, identifying your legal options, and negotiating a great deal on your behalf. 

Wrapping It Up!

Being attacked by a dog can be a traumatic experience, leading to severe injuries and psychological aftermath. Therefore, if a dog has attacked you, you should seek professional medical care, contact the local authorities, find the owner, and hire an attorney to file an insurance claim.