What to Do If You’re Bitten By Someone Else’s Dog

Dogs are typically viewed as fun-loving, loyal companions who bring their owners plenty of joy. But for all their wonderful qualities, not every dog is well-trained, and you never know when you may encounter one that isn’t well-controlled. So, what happens if you’re perhaps out for a walk, enjoying a day at the park, or even visiting a friend and you get bitten by a dog? It can be traumatizing for many people, especially if it’s a serious bite. We’ve got some important steps to highlight that you’ll want to be aware of should this horrible incident occur.

Stay Calm – Get Medical Attention

Because it can be so stressful and traumatizing to get bitten by a dog, it is important to stay calm and focus on getting medical attention before anything else. Even if the bite seems relatively minor, you must seek medical attention and have a physician look at the puncture wound. Depending on the size and depth of the wound, stitches may be necessary. For serious bites and multiple bites, you may require more than just stitches.

In the immediate moments following the bite, before you reach the hospital or urgent care, you’ll want to place a clean cloth on the wound and apply gentle pressure. Surgery may be necessary to clean and then close up the wound should there be multiple bites or deep bites. Dog bites can also result in scarring.

If possible, try to ascertain if the dog is up to date on their vaccines. This should include rabies, which can be spread to humans through bites.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer as Soon as Possible

Once you have sought medical attention and have been stabilized, it’s a good idea to contact a personal injury attorney with experience in dog bite claims. You want to speak to the attorney while all the details are fresh in your mind, and you can recount the story to them. Your attorney will also need supporting documents such as photographs, medical records, details on the dog and its owner and so forth.

Why file a personal injury claim? The fact is that medical care can be very expensive, and the recovery may also be a drain on finances. You may be eligible for compensation that will cover all those expenses and such things as lost time at work, pain and suffering, etc.

Ensuring the Recovery Period Goes Smoothly

During the recovery period, the biggest concern will be the risk of infection. You’ll need to keep a close eye on the wound(s) and watch for any unusual changes or signs that infection may be starting. If so, visit your doctor immediately. Follow all the doctor’s instructions when it comes to wound care and be sure to go for follow-up appointments as required.

No one thinks of being bitten by a dog and the recovery that can follow, but by using these tips, you’ll be able to move past the trauma of the situation in the healthiest way possible.