Six Steps to Take After Being Bitten by a Dog
Once you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, things will happen fast and your adrenaline will kick in. We’ve laid out a step-by-step guide on what is necessary to ensure you’re taken care of after the incident.
1. Identify the dog and owner: The most crucial step post-bite is to determine which dog caused the injury. Make sure you identify the owner of the dog and who had custody of the dog when the bite occurred.
2. Find and record witnesses: Make sure to collect everyone and anyone that witnessed the accident. A phone number, email address, full name, and address are all relevant pieces of information to collect.
3. Take photos of injury and surroundings: Take images with your phone of everything within the vicinity. Record the bite, the dog, the location, the surroundings, all information will be helpful.
4. Seek Medical Attention: Depending upon the severity of the bite, either call for emergency responders or have someone transport you to medical care.
5. File Report: After you’ve received medical care and treatment, it is necessary to file a bite report with either your city or county Animal Control office or Sheriff’s department. Reporting the incident will legally and formally document the attack. This is important to do in the event the dog attacks again.
6. Contact Attorney: Contact a reputable attorney now, not later. The attorney tending to the case should be experienced and familiar with these types of incidents, because issues concerning dog bites are in depth and may be difficult to navigate.
Important things to do: If the owner of the animal has insurance, most likely you will be contacted by one of their company’s representatives. When discussing the matter with them, make sure to take note of the following information.
- Insurance company name
- Insurance company address
- Phone number
- Claim Number
- Make sure the insurance company’s client’s name matches your records
- Clarify with the representative the amount of money available to pay medical expenses
Important things NOT to do:
- Do not discuss payment of money or settlement with the insurance company
- Do not provide them with any document or letters
- Do not allow the insurance company to record, photograph, or quote the victim
If you’ve been bitten by a dog and were severely injured, contact the experts at The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal today to get the help you need. We have experience working with dog bite cases, and we can work with you to get a fair settlement.