When you’re spending time in your own yard, the last thing you expect
is to be bitten by a dog. Unfortunately, dog bites can happen when
you least expect them. In fact, statistics show that about 1000
people in the US require emergency care each day for injuries
sustained through dog bites. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you’ll
need to take it seriously. Even a minor dog bite can lead to serious
complications, including infection. To get the help you need, follow
the four steps described below.
Identify the Owners
After a dog bite, one of the most important things you can do is
identify the dog owner. You’ll want to do this for several reasons.
First, identifying the owner will allow you to determine whether the
dog is current on all of its required vaccinations. Second,
identifying the owner will allow you to obtain insurance information,
which you’ll need when you go for medical care. Finally, identifying
the owner will give you the information you need when you contact
animal control, which you should do as quickly as possible.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
As soon as you’re bitten by a dog, you need to seek immediate medical
attention, even if you think it’s just a minor injury. Not only is
the threat of infection present after a dog bite, but so are a
variety of more serious diseases, including rabies. Unfortunately,
rabies is can be deadly if not treated properly, and quickly. If you
don’t know who the owners of the dog are, and you’re not able to
identify the dog, you may need to endure treatment for rabies. In
addition, with proper medical care, your doctors may be able to
minimize the amount of scarring you’ll endure once the wounds heal.
File a Complaint
Once you’ve received medical care, you’ll need to notify the proper
officials. This should include local law enforcement officials, as
well as your local animal control agency. Filing complaints with both
agencies will not only help the police department and animal control
track potentially dangerous dogs, but it will also allow you to find
out if the dog in question has a history of violence. If the dog does
have a history of violence, your complaint may be enough to get the
dog off the street. It might also be enough to bring charges against
the owner, especially if they knew their dog was dangerous, and did
nothing about it.
Talk to a Counselor
Being attacked by a dog can leave you with more than physical
injuries. The event can also leave you with severe emotional and
psychological injuries, as well. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you
need to sit down and talk to a counselor. This is particularly
important if you’re having a hard time dealing with the events, or
you’re going to be left with severe scarring, which can leave you
with a lasting reminder of a traumatic event. If you’re losing sleep,
or suffering from a loss of appetite, or other emotional or
psychological symptoms following the attack, contact a counselor as
soon as possible.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you’re going to need legal
representation, especially if the owners are refusing to accept
responsibility for their dogs actions. You shouldn’t have to pay for
your own medical care when someone else’s dog causes you injuries. A
nyc personal injury lawyer will work to make sure you receive the
compensation you’re entitled to. They’ll also work to ensure that all
your medical needs are taken care of.
Dog bites can cause serious physical, emotional, and psychological
injuries. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you need to speak to a nyc
personal injury attorney as soon as possible. They can help you
receive the care you need.
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