Dogs are playful creatures that follow us around with wagging tails. It can be impossible to resist the charm of a dog whether you see them while on a walk or in your neighbor’s garden. But did you ever think of what to do in the unfortunate event of a dog attack? Dog bites can lead to infections, injuries, and rabies. If you or any of your loved ones have fallen prey to a dog bite attack, then you can follow the steps listed below to protect your physical and legal well-being.
Assess Your Wound
It’s very natural to panic in the aftermath of a dog bite attack. But you should try and keep calm. Getting nervous can cause you to make reckless decisions. Rather you should examine the wound. While minor abrasions can be treated at home, serious wounds require immediate medical attention. A dog bite causes an inflow of bacteria into your system that can lead to grave results if not treated promptly. Assessing the severity of the wound is required as the documentation of healthcare professionals can help the legal professionals secure you a better claim amount.
Get Details Of The Dog & Its Owner
It’s crucial to get the details of the dog that bit you and its owner. If you are in a position to do the same you need to accumulate the details of their address and enquire if the owner has insurance.
It would also be of great help if you could find out whether the dog has committed such acts previously or has an anger issue.
Get Details Of Witnesses
Witnesses can be extremely helpful in winning your case especially when the court has to decide between your word and that of the owners. You should try to gather details like the name, address, and phone number of the witness so that your lawyer can contact them when required.
Take Pictures
Dog bites tend to deteriorate with time. You should try and take pictures of the injuries caused immediately after the attack.
It would be best if you could take a video describing the intensity of the attack and the symptoms you are experiencing in the aftermath of the same.
Hire A Lawyer
Last but not least, you must hire a professional lawyer experienced in similar matters. They can evaluate your case and advise you towards the best path ahead. Lawyers can also serve as your pillars of strength while negotiating with the insurance companies to offer you a bigger compensation. While these cases are mostly solved out of court, they might go to trial in rare circumstances and a lawyer’s representation is crucial once the case is taken to court.
Conclusion
If you have fallen prey to a dog bite attack due to the dog owner’s negligence, then you might be entitled to compensation. These funds can be extremely beneficial to help you deal with the pain, suffering, lost wages, and towering medical bills. The experts at Delventhal Law Office LLC can help deal with dog bite cases to maximize your claim so that you can concentrate on your recovery with maximum peace of mind.