As the weather starts to warm up, you’re going to find yourself spending more time outdoors, whether that be hiking or simply visiting your local park. You’ll also undoubtedly come across more dogs out and about. While most dogs are often playful when it comes to human interaction, even the most docile of companions can snap seemingly out of nowhere. A personal injury lawyer will tell you that dog bites can have significant legal, financial and medical ramifications, so it’s best to be prepared with the information needed to handle such an incident.
When it comes to dog bites, here are some tips to help you handle the situation:
Exchange Information with the Owner
Just like you would in an auto accident, you’ll want to exchange information with the dog’s owner. A personal injury lawyer will advise you to collect contact information as well as the dog’s vaccination history.
Get Medical Care
It’s crucial to seek out medical attention immediately. This is especially true if you have sustained serious injuries such as a deep puncture wound. There are some dogs out there that aren’t vaccinated against rabies, and puncture wounds are more prone to infections. Make sure to take pictures of your wound before treatment so that you have more accurate proof when it comes to your injuries.
Speak to Witnesses
If there is a need to file a lawsuit or insurance claim, eye witness accounts can help. They can provide a more accurate picture of what occurred at the scene of the accident. A personal injury lawyer will advise you that it is crucial to speak to those who saw the incident occur rather than just ignore them.
These tips are the basis of what to do following a dog bite incident. However, if you’re looking to build a stronger claim against the liable party, contact a personal injury lawyer at Robert J. DeBry and Associates.