5 Important Steps To Take After A Dog Attack: A Legal Guide
Most dog breeds are generally friendly domesticated animals, but some can be vicious even when not invoked, causing severe injuries to the victims they attack. If you or your loved one has been attacked or bitten by a dog, you can hold the pet owner liable for your injuries. However, you need to take the right steps immediately after the incident to enhance your recovery and ability to obtain the right compensation for your injuries.
Georgia is one of the top states that report injuries from dog bites. The state records over 500 dog bite injury claims yearly, with settlements averaging around $48,000. Back in 2018, the city of Roswell reported a brutal case of dog bite, and people are horrified to this day.
Furthermore, depending on the severity of the dog bite injury, many victims end up requiring reconstructive surgery, plastic surgery, and physical therapy. Some victims also suffer long-term psychological trauma, extensive medical bills, and degraded quality of life.
If, for some reason, you get attacked by a dog, specifically in Roswell, a Roswell dog bite lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding dog bites and get the compensation you truly deserve.
Steps To Take After A Dog Attack
According to the Georgia dog bite statute, the pet owner is liable for all injuries inflicted by their dog. However, three critical points must all be affirmed to hold the owner accountable:
- The animal should first be taken into consideration as “dangerous” or “vicious” which can be mentioned as the animal needing to be leashed per city statute.
- The animal needs to be at large by the negligent administration of the proprietor.
- the person harmed should not have prompted the animal into assaulting them.
If you meet all the above conditions and experience a dog bite accident, follow these necessary steps to ensure you are rightfully compensated for your physical or emotional suffering, including lost income or medical bills:
1. Contact A Dog Bite Lawyer As Soon As Possible
Contacting a skilled dog bite lawyer promptly will ensure you get the proper medical treatment, gather as much information about the dog that bit you, obtain witness statements regarding the dog’s previous behavior and attack, and identify possible sources of compensation for your loss. It also allows your dog bite lawyer to build a strong case and pursue the compensation you deserve.
2. Attend To The Wound Accordingly
It’s important to cleanse and dress the wound immediately after the attack. Use appropriate bandaging and, if necessary, call emergency services for specialized assistance. Even minor dog bites can cause infections that trigger a fever, vomiting, headache, and further complications like kidney failure, heart attack, or gangrene. Death is also possible with an untreated dog bite.
3. Document Evidence
While you attend to your injuries or seek medical attention, document your injuries and the clothing you wore, especially if they were damaged. Take photos of the dog, the location, and other relevant information whenever possible. Also, document medical information pertinent to your claim.
4. File A Written Report Of The Incident
After a dog attack, you should complete a written report to start the documentation. You can submit this report to your local animal control agency or police department. They will review the dog’s vaccination status and any other prior reported attacks. They may also conduct further investigations to obtain all necessary details of your attack.
5. Follow Medical Advice
Proper medical care is critical to your recovery from a dog bite accident. Even if you did not obtain immediate medical attention, ensure you get tetanus and rabies injections as a precaution. Just make sure you keep all medical bills related to your injuries and keep them alongside all the other evidence you collect. If the dog’s owner is found liable for your injuries, you will need all these records to receive proper reimbursement.
Contact A Skilled Dog Bite Lawyer!
No one wants to get attacked by a dog–they’re considered man’s best friends, after all. But suppose you, unfortunately, fall victim to such an attack. In that case, it’s important to seek help from an experienced dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to receive maximum compensation for your injuries. The sooner you contact your lawyer, the sooner they can build a case. This allows adequate time to navigate the complications surrounding dog bite accidents and helps you obtain compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma from your dog bite accident.
