Dog Bites – A dog just ran up to you and bit your leg. After your shock wears off, you need to take steps to protect yourself in the event you need to file a claim – it’s not very different from the steps you would take following a car crash. All incidents of personal injury require the same level of quick reaction and diligence.
Here are the top five things you should do immediately after the dog bite incident:
- Get the name and contact information of the dog owner or the people who were in control of the animal when it bit you.
- Grab ahold of witnesses. Get their names, address and contact information.
- Put your cell phone to use and take pictures of the wounds yourself or have someone else take the photos for you.
- See a doctor immediately. Dog bites can cause infections. Call an ambulance if the wound is severe. Make sure the doctor provides documentation that details the extent of the bite wound and any treatment that is necessary.
- File a police report.
It is critical that you identify the dog owner, as well as the animal that bit you. Take photos of the animal, if you can. These steps are important. If the dog is a stray, you may need treatment for rabies. In addition, you may need the dog owner to compensate you for your medical bills, reimburse you for lost income, and pay for any surgery you may need.
Never discuss, without representation of a personal injury litigation attorney, anything that involves money, including payment or settlement of funds. Never contact the dog owner on your own to discuss responsibility or compensation, and never allow yourself to be recorded or video- taped.
Many nuances are involved in litigating dog bites, according to the circumstances surrounding the incident. To ensure your rights are protected, contact a Ft. Lauderdale personal litigation attorney after you receive treatment for your wounds. If you couldn’t protect yourself before the attack, ensure that you are protected afterward.
http://outforjustice.com/personal_injury_lawyer_fort_lauderdale/index.php/accidents/dog-bites
