As cute and fluffy dogs as are, not all of them share the same happy, cheerful disposition. Some dogs don’t get along with humans apart from their owners. These dogs can be indifferent and even aggressive toward others. If a dog is aggressive, it’s highly probable they bite. If you were bitten by someone else’s dog, here are your next steps.
See a Doctor Immediately
Just like you would with a car accident or a slip and fall accident, you need to seek immediate medical attention if you were bitten by a dog. This is especially true if it was a big dog, like a German shepherd or husky. The bigger the dog, the stronger their bite force is, and the more damage they could do.
Because of that, some people may think that smaller dog bites are not a big deal. However, bites from a smaller dog, like a Pomeranian or Chihuahua, can be just as severe, especially if the bite is on the hand or ankle. It’s best to see a doctor regardless of the bite to ensure you don’t develop an infection.
Obtain Information on the Dog
If you can, get information about the dog that attacked you. You’ll need it if you plan on filing a lawsuit against the owner. Snap a picture of the dog and ask the owner if it has had its shots. Also, be sure to write down what transpired before the dog bit you, and take a photo of your injury for reference. In some cases, the owner of the dog can be held liable and can be made responsible for your medical bills.
Get a Personal Injury Lawyer
If the owner refuses to cooperate or if there are other problems, you’re going to need the help of a personal injury lawyer. They can assist you on getting the compensation owed to you. To find a lawyer you can trust, reading the reviews left behind by previous clients and doing a background check can help make the search easier. Also, make sure that the lawyer you choose has worked this kind of case before.
Alert Animal Control
While you’re at it, be sure to inform animal control about what happened. Be sure to give them the same information you provided your lawyer. It will help them pinpoint and find the dog responsible. You may think this is cruel as animal control can take the owner’s dog away. However, that does not happen in every case. Animal control will mostly check up on the owner and ensure the dog is tagged, vaccinated, and not rabid. Their job helps prevent illnesses, infections, and diseases from spreading through animal bites.
If you were bitten by a dog, please review this information if you’re unsure of what to do. Also, contact your lawyer for more suggestions on what else can be done as you move forward.
Author information: Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University and now writes articles about health, business, family, and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.
