The last thing you want to happen while you’re at the park, walking in your neighborhood, or otherwise minding your business is getting the attention of an unleashed dog and getting bitten. According to the CDC, serious dog bites happen to millions of Americans every year. Dog bites are just as common with dogs that you may be familiar with as dogs that are unknown to you. Far too often there’s owner negligence to blame, and just as often it results in a personal injury compensation claim. Here are five steps to follow if you are bitten by a dog.
1. Get Medical Attention
The first thing you want to do is seek medical attention. Don’t wait, especially if you have deep puncture wounds or gashes. You don’t want to exacerbate the situation and get an infected wound. It’s also a good idea to receive care promptly so you don’t have to worry about the insurance company claiming that your injury occurred after the incident rather than as a result of the incident. An experienced Boise personal injury lawyer will advise you to get photos before you receive medical care. Ask your physician to help you with this or you can take them yourself if you’re able.
2. Notify the Dog Owner
If the dog isn’t a stray, it’s important to locate and notify the dog’s owner. A dog doesn’t have insurance and can’t award you damages. In the event that you’re unable to notify the owner, call your local animal control. If the animal is registered and microchipped, animal control may be able to locate the owner.
3. Get Insurance Information
Even if the dog’s owner is a neighbor or a friend, ask for their insurance information. They’re most likely paying for it with their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance premium. Even if they don’t, you don’t want to be the one stuck bearing the responsibility for their irresponsibility. Filing an insurance claim has nothing to do with the relationship you have with your friend or neighbor. It’s all about you getting the compensation you deserve for something that wasn’t your fault.
4. Document the Bite
It will be extremely helpful to your claim if you document the bite. In addition to photographic evidence, you’ll also want to include a full medical report detailing your injuries and a written journal of how your recovery is going. Be sure to take pictures at multiple stages of the healing process. If you require physical therapy, you’ll need documentation from your physical therapist as well.
5. Contact a Lawyer
At some point in your healing, you’ll need to consult with an attorney. They can advise you on your options and help you navigate the legal system as it pertains to personal injury claims. Choosing a lawyer who has experience with dog bite injuries may prove to be far more helpful to your claim. You’ll have help in negotiating a settlement, drafting a demand letter, determining the value of your claim, and analyzing the insurance policy.
There’s no way to know what your claim is worth without professional help. If you’ve been bitten by a dog and are interested in recovering damages, you are within your rights to do so. Claims need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Don’t wait if you’ve been bitten by a dog. The sooner you’re able to consult with a lawyer, the less hassle you’re likely to experience.
