subject: After A Dog Bite This Is What You Must Do [print this page] An Orange County Personal Injury Attorney's Advice:
Just about 1,000 people are sent to the emergency room everyday due to a dog bite. With dog bites being such a commonality, it is important that you know the guidelines for what to do if you are bitten by a dog.
Five Easy Steps to Follow After a Dog Bite:
1. Identify what type of animal it is. The number one dog to bite a human are pitbulls. Pit bulls are especially dangerous because they tend to lock their jaws when biting. It is common to need to pry their mouths open to stop the bite. Other animals are more prone to infectious diseases and therefore you should be tested once treatment is sought.
2. Seek medical attention. Medical attention is necessary for any dog bite situation! If you can, take photos of both the wound and the dog. While dog's mouths are rumored to be cleaner than a humans mouth, this is untrue. Compared to a human bite, dogs' mouths carry less bacteria, however, dogs still have diseases that may be extremely harmful to people.
3. Report the animal to Animal Control. It is understandable that you probably don't wish to take this action, however, it is necessary. Even if your bite was a small nip, once a dog has proven itself a biter, it cannot be trusted again. Before reporting the animal, make certain that the dog's spit has been tested for any type of bad diseases.
4. Collect any and all information. You will require the dog's breed and name, the Owner's name, address, phone number, insurance information and (if possible) the amount available on the homeowners insurance policy.
5. You should talk to an attorney who is an expert in dog bite cases at once. Dog bite litigation normally results in the victim settling. The people who utilize legal representation in these cases normally get 10 to 20% more than the people who did not.
What NOT to Do After a Dog Bite:
Be sure you don't talk money with the dog owner. Keep away from writing letters to the dog owner, speaking with them regarding these issues, or allowing yourself to be recorded or photographed. Also, do not accept any sort of payment without obtaining legal advice or sign anything provided to you by the dog owner.
