If you have been bitten by a dog, the first thing we want you to know is that you are not alone. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control, there are around 800,000 dog bites every year. These bites can occur from family pets but the most common dog bites are from friend and family members’ pets. Of course, stray dogs or neighborhood dogs can bite as well.
If you have suffered a bite from someone else’s dog, you may not be sure what to do. The truth is that your actions depend on how serious the injury was. About one in five dog bites require medical care. Long-term damage can include infections, nerve damage, and severe pain. A person can end up with a staph infection, rabies, or tetanus after being bitten by a dog.
Keep reading to find out what you can do after you are bitten by a dog. If you are in need of a free legal consultation with a top California dog bite attorney, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 today.
Get Medical Attention if Necessary
Not every dog bite necessitates that you head to the emergency room or even see your doctor. If you have a minor bite that did not break the skin, then you may choose not to go to the doctor and simply keep an eye on the wound. However, if your skin was broken then you should see a doctor. It is entirely possible that even a “minor” puncture wound can lead to a serious and even life-threatening infection.
Get Pictures and Information from Witnesses
Once you are sure you are safe, talk to any witnesses you can. Take pictures if possible. This should include pictures of the wound, the dog, and the location where the bite happened. If the owner made an attempt to contain the dog and the dog got loose, make sure you take a picture of that too. Of course, do not do any of these unless you are sure the dog is not in the area and/or is subdued.
Call Animal Control or the Police
It is your responsibility to let the police and/or animal control know about the bite. If the dog has a history of biting, they may need to take appropriate actions to protect the public. If it was the first bite, then a different type of action may be taken, depending on how serious the bite was. For your sake, know that it is required by law that you report the bite.
If you have suffered serious injuries as a result of your dog bite accident, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now for a free legal consultation. We are standing by to help you find compensation for the damages you have suffered.
