A dog bite or attack is a horrifying and painful experience. Animal attacks can cause severe injuries, including scars, fractured bones, disfigurement, and permanent disability. If you have been attacked by someone else’s dog when it could have been avoided, you may have a valid personal injury claim on your hands. Animal attacks are different from other personal injury cases in some ways, so it is best to know how to react to them. Our dog bite lawyers can help. The following is what you should do after a dog bite:
Get Medical Attention
The first and foremost thing you should do after being bitten by a dog is to go and receive treatment for your injury. Some dog bites can puncture blood vessels and lead to excess blood loss, so seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Your doctor will perform tests to ascertain you don’t have an infection or disease from the bite.
However, if it is a dog with an owner, you should get its medical records from the veterinarian. Otherwise, look for animal control records.
The medical records will apprise the doctor of the most appropriate course of action. Always see a doctor after a dog bite, no matter how minor the injuries appear.
Investigate The Scene
Once you receive adequate medical attention, you should investigate the scene of the bite. If you are incapacitated, you can have a loved one or lawyer investigate the scene.
To prove your case, you must provide evidence that the animal attacked you without provocation. The scene of the bite is the best place to get the necessary evidence.
Talk to the neighbors and get witness statements. Check the area for any recording devices that may help you prove your case.
Search for obedience school records about the dog. Ask the police if there are any reports about the dog biting others. The more evidence you can acquire, the better for your case.
Contact A Personal Injury Attorney
A dog bite could have serious legal ramifications. To hold the dog owner responsible for the dog bite, you will require the services of a Utah personal injury attorney.
You should know that states have varying laws pertaining to dog bites. Some states automatically hold the owner liable if their dog bites anyone. In other states, dog bites are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Dog bites and animal attacks are complicated aspects of personal injury law, which is why you need a lawyer. The lawyer will know precisely what to do to prove the claim if it is valid.
Not all dog bites require an attorney, but if the owner fails to take responsibility for the attack, a lawyer will be helpful. They will help you get compensation for injuries, medical bills, loss of income, emotional distress and other associated expenses.
If you are the victim of a dog bite, use the tips above. Contact a Utah personal injury lawyer immediately for help.