The first thing we want you to know if you’ve been bitten by a dog is that you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 800,000 dog bites occur each year. Dog bites can happen to family pets, however the most common dog bites happen to friends and family members’ dogs. Of course, stray dogs or dogs from the area might bite.
You may be unsure what to do if you have been bitten by another person’s dog. The fact is that your behaviors are determined by the severity of the hurt. One out of every five dog bites need medical attention. Infections, nerve damage, and extreme pain are all possible long-term consequences. After being bitten by a dog, a human might get staph infection, rabies, or tetanus.
Continue reading to see what you can do if you have been bitten by a dog. Call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now for a free legal consultation with a top California dog bite attorney.
If medical attention is required, seek it
Not every dog bite needs a trip to the ER or even a visit to your doctor. If the bite was small and did not break the skin, you may decide not to see a doctor and instead keep an eye on the wound. If your skin is broken, however, you should visit a doctor. Even a seemingly little puncture hole might result in a severe, even life-threatening infection.
Witnesses can provide photos and information
Once you have established that you are secure, speak with any witnesses you can. If at all feasible, take photographs. This should include photos of the wound, the dog, and the bite site. If the owner attempted to restrain the dog and the dog escaped, make sure you photograph it as well. Of course, none of them should be attempted until you are certain the dog is not there and/or is tamed.
Contact animal control or the police department
It is your obligation to report the bite to the police and/or animal control. They may need to take necessary measures to safeguard the public if the dog has a history of biting. Depending on how bad the bite was, a different sort of treatment may be done if it was the first bite. For your own safety, be aware that you are obligated by law to report the bite.
For a free legal consultation, call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you have sustained significant injuries as a consequence of a dog bite accident. We are ready to assist you in obtaining compensation for the losses you have sustained and will begin with a free legal consultation.
