What are the do’s and don’ts after dog bite?
You probably know how a dog reacts when they feel threatened. It barks and growls, showing the world its killer instincts. So when a dog attacks its victims, people react by panicking and running away. But that doesn’t mean you should leave it at that. If you have been bitten by a dog and have sustained injuries as a result, then there are certain things that you can do to get properly compensated for your losses in the future.
In this article, we will discuss the things you should and should not do after a dog bite. Keep reading.
What not to do after a dog attack
If you have just suffered a dog attack, there are things you should not do:
Don’t blame yourself: Do not waste time blaming yourself on how you could have avoided being on the dog’s path. Dog bites could happen to anybody. You should be more concerned about taking care of your wounds.
Don’t try to “rescue” yourself: Dog attacks are serious incidents. Get help from people around. Call 911. Do not try to do things all by yourself!
Don’t try to “resolve” the situation yourself: There are two very important persons whose help you will require immediately after dog attacks – the doctor to give you the needed medical care; and an experienced dog bite lawyer. Do not try to sort out the issue on your own with the dog’s owner. Instead, allow your attorney to pursue the legal options available to you.
What to Do After a Dog Bites You?
Get medical treatment as soon as possible.
- You need to get the wound cleaned, bandaged, and protected from infection. Put on a pair of disposable gloves. Next, use an antiseptic wipe to clean the wound and get rid of germs and bacteria.
- You also need to get a blood sample and take an X-ray to find out what part of your body was injured.
- If the dog’s wound is small, you probably won’t need stitches. But if it’s a large wound or if you were bitten on your extremities, like your hands or feet, then you will probably need stitches.
- Cover the wound with a bandage. Make sure to change the bandage every few hours so it doesn’t get dirty or moist.
- If the wounds are very severe, you must go to the hospital and be examined by a doctor.
- In more severe cases, reconstructive surgery may be recommended by the doctor.
Report to the Chicago animal control
When you get bitten by a dog, you should also talk to the authorities of Chicago animal control. The authorities can put out a notice that would let people know that a potentially dangerous dog is running around and to be careful.
Report to the local authority
You also need to file a report with the local authorities stating that you just sustained dog bite injuries. If you don’t do this, the dog’s owner may not be held responsible for your injuries. The police will file a report about the incident. This way, they would be able to investigate the matter and find the dog owner so he could be held liable for the incident.
Collect Evidence and Take Photos
When you are filing a dog bite claim with the authorities or collecting evidence to make a personal injury claim, make sure you collect as much evidence as possible. Evidence you should have at hand as a dog bite victim includes the following:
- The dog’s collar, some of its food, and whatever else it had when it bit you
- The leash—if the dog was on a leash when it bit you.
- The vaccination papers of the dog; if it’s a vaccinated dog.
- The report from the doctor if you were treated in the hospital.
- The notice you filed with the authorities
- The x-ray if you were treated in an emergency room.
- The photos you or your friends took and the videos recorded of the incident.
- The statements from the witnesses you have who saw the dog bite incident
Contact a dog bite attorney as soon as possible
You need to get an experienced attorney immediately to help handle your dog bite case. As part of his duties, the dog bite lawyer will help you with the following:
Negotiate With the Owner’s Insurance Company:
The dog bite attorney will help in negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance company. Most dog owners’ insurance companies will offer you a settlement if you negotiate. It’s important to negotiate before filing a dog bite lawsuit if at all possible. The insurance company will most likely offer you a settlement so that you don’t have to spend money on a lawsuit. The dog-bite lawyer will handle the entire process.
File a Claim with the Local Authority
If you have been bitten by a dog, your attorney will need to file a claim with the local authority. If this is not done, you may not be able to seek compensation for your losses. Dog-bite claims should be filed within a few months of the incident. Your attorney will have to provide the authorities with the same information that you gave your doctor. This includes the date of the incident, where it happened, and what happened.
Need an expert dog bite attorney to effectively handle your dog bite case?
Dog bite victims in the state of Illinois and surrounding cities can have their cases professionally handled by Michael J. Brennan, an experienced lawyer who is conversant with the dog bite law of the state of Illinois. As a dog bite injury lawyer, Michael Brennan will help victims of dog bites get the needed justice. He will help you recover compensation for your medical expenses after processing your insurance claim.
Have you suffered a dog attack? Have you suffered a dog-bite injury? Do you want a fair settlement for all your pain and suffering? Contact (708) 694-9728 and get a free evaluation.