You've Been Bitten By A Dog: 4 Important Steps To Take
Being bitten by a dog can leave you with injuries, both physical and emotional, that will require professional attention. If you've been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your pain and suffering. However, to ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to, there are some steps you should take that will protect your rights. Here are four things you should do if you've been the victim of a dog bite.
Locate the Owners
If you've been bitten by a dog, you should try to locate the owners as soon as possible. This is important because you'll need information about the dog for your medical care. For instance, it's important to know if the dog is current with its vaccinations, especially the rabies shots.
File a Report
If you've been bitten by a dog, you need to file a report with police department, as well as with the animal control agency in your area. Reporting the incident will serve two functions. First, if the dog has never bitten before, the report will begin a paper trail that will be useful if it should bite someone else. Second, if it has bitten before, it will provide additional evidence that officials can use against the dog and its owners. This is particularly important if the dog has the potential of becoming a danger to the community.
Speak to an Attorney
If you've suffered serious injuries, you should speak to an attorney (such as one from The Kirbo Law Firm) as soon as possible. This is especially important if you're having a difficult time obtaining information from the dog's owners. If the owners are denying responsibility, you'll need legal assistance to receive assistance for medical care and other costs associated with the injuries.
Document the Injuries
If you have access to a camera, you should take pictures of the injuries as soon as possible. Continue taking pictures of the injuries throughout the healing process. Photographs will help your attorney document the severity of the injuries. This evidence will be particularly beneficial should the owners of the dog dispute your injury claim. In addition, should your case go to trial, the photographs will provide evidence of the injuries for the court to view.
Dog bites can leave you traumatized. If you've been bitten by a dog, you need to make sure that you get the help you need. The tips provided here will help you receive the compensation you're entitled to.