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3 Legal Steps to Take If You’ve Been Attacked by a Dog

Dogs are often called man’s best friend. Under certain circumstances, they can become a vicious enemy. A dog’s bite can be worse than its bark. It can be scary and tragic when there is a dog attack. Nobody wakes up and says, “Today is a good day to get attacked by a dog,” but sometimes it happens.

According to a CDC report, dog bites are one of the more common types of injury, even cause of death. “In 1994, an estimated 4.7 million persons (1.8% of the U.S. population) sustained a dog bite; of these, approximately 800,000 (0.3%) sought medical care for the bite.”

What to Do If Attacked

The attack is over and the immediate danger has passed. The injuries can range from minor to severe. It is important to seek medical attention. Trauma can be psychological as well as physical. Emotional reactions can range from sadness to outrage. Wanting to take matters into their own hands is natural for victims and their loved ones. Taking a breath and making a few intelligent decisions is better. Dogs and people can make mistakes. Victims of these mistakes should first take these three steps.

Step One

Select a personal injury attorney. A friend or family member might be able to recommend one. Searching for one online and looking at the attorneys’ review rating can help. Find one close by that can assist with moving towards the best road to recovery. Look for an expert that has experience and is familiar with animal attack laws.

Step Two

Schedule an appointment with the attorney’s office. This can be as simple as picking up the phone and talking to an assistant. Many offices have online appointment booking as an option. Discovering what information to bring can make things easier. Having all the facts and details written down ahead of time streamlines the process. Some offices do not even need payment unless there is a settlement

Step Three

Go to your appointment and get quality legal advice. Legal counsel can make the aftermath of an attack more manageable. An attorney can answer questions about what to do next. Outlining the options available fosters the healing process. Moving forward allows victims to spend less time worrying.

Dogs can be lovable and amazing members of the family. Dogs can also injure or kill people. Victims should not feel lost and helpless. Medical care and psychological counseling are part of the healing. Victims should also find an attorney and seek legal advice.

Author Bio: Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer living in Boston, MA. When not writing, she enjoys reading and indoor rock climbing. Find her on Google +

Bob Kraft

I am a Dallas, Texas lawyer who has had the privilege of helping thousands of clients since 1971 in the areas of Personal Injury law and Social Security Disability.

About This Blog

The title of this blog reflects my attitude toward those government agencies and insurance companies that routinely mistreat injured or disabled people. As a Dallas, Texas lawyer, I've spent more than 45 years trying to help those poor folk, and I have been frustrated daily by the actions of the people on the other side of their claims. (Sorry if I offended you...)

If you find this type of information interesting or helpful, please visit my law firm's main website at KraftLaw.com. You will find many more articles and links. Thank you for your time.

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