What To Do After A Dog Bite?

A dog is a man’s best friend and makes your life joyful and meaningful. However, being bitten by a dog can be distressing and cause serious, permanent injuries. According to CDC, out of the 90+ million dogs in the United States, records suggest close to 4.7 million dog bites every year. Of those, more than 800,000 people receive medical aid, and over 28,000 undergo reconstructive surgeries.

What Should You Do If A Dog Bites You?

Dog bite injuries are a serious issue and can lead to costly medical bills, missed work, or loss of quality of life. If a dog bites you at work, in a park, or on personal property, seek immediate medical attention. Open wounds, and even minor scratches, are susceptible to infections and other complications. Thus, these must be cared for adequately. Alert the police and gather information about the dog’s owner, including contact information and a photo of his or her identification, if available. You’ll also want to know if the dog has had its recent vaccinations. Talk to witnesses and get their written statements for your safety. Also, if possible, take photographs of the injury and your surroundings.

If the wound is anywhere near the face, seek help from a cosmetic surgeon since emergency rooms may not be equipped to handle special cases. Your medical practitioner would then suggest further steps on proper healing.

The Law Protects The Victim Against Dog Bites

Dog bites affect the lives of many. Children and the elderly are at the most risk of injuries. If a dog bites at you or a loved one, and you aren’t the owner, you may have legal options. The laws generally favor the victim upon proving that:

• The victim was lawfully present on the property where the incident happened
• The victim wasn’t provoking the dog

Further, those states with “Strict Liability” laws hold the owner liable for damages regardless of the circumstances. The dog bite victim can recover damages for medical expenses, emotional trauma, lost earnings, among other damages.

Contact Bear Republic Law

If you or a loved one have suffered a dog bite incident, you can count on an experienced personal injury lawyer at Bear Republic Law to fight for your right to fair compensation for your injuries.

Bear Republic Law has decades of experience in handling important cases like yours. Our experienced California personal injury lawyers protect the rights of the injured throughout Orange County, California. Contact us to schedule your free initial consultation to discuss your case.