What to Do if You Get Bitten By Someone Else’s Pet Dog?
Someone else’s pet dog has bitten you, and now you’re looking for answers. Maybe it happened at a friend’s house, or maybe you were walking your dog, and some other dog came up and bit you. Whatever the situation, you want to know what to do next.
We’re here to help. We’ll walk you through six tips on dealing with a dog bite. Read on.
Check Yourself
The first thing you want to do is make sure that you’re okay. If the bite is deep or bleeding heavily, go ahead and call 911 immediately. If it’s just a little scratch, look at it and see if there are any signs of infection (redness or swelling).
Watch out for these infection signs:
- The bite area feels warm to the touch
- The area around the bite turns red, then purple or blue
- You have a fever (100 degrees or higher)
- You have swells and chills around the wound.
If there aren’t any signs of infection, keep an eye on the area for any pain or swelling over the next few days. And if there are any new symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Call a Personal Injury Lawyer
Even if the bite doesn’t seem serious, it’s always best to have legal counsel on your side if the situation escalates. A personal injury lawyer will be able to tell you what your legal options are and help you build a case against the dog owner if necessary. They can also help you get any compensation you may be entitled to, such as medical bills or lost wages.
When looking for dog attack attorneys near you, keep these tips in mind:
- Find a law firm specializing in personal injury cases, specifically dog bites.
- Ask for referrals from friends or family members who have used a personal injury lawyer in the past.
- Check out online reviews to understand what others have said about a particular law firm.
Take Pictures of the Wound
If you have access to a camera, snap photos of the wound right away. This will serve as evidence in case you need it later on. Be sure to take close-ups as well as wide shots that show the entire area that was affected.
Gather Witnesses
If other people around saw the attack, try to get their contact information. They may be able to serve as witnesses in case you need to take legal action later on.
Find Out If the Dog Has Been Vaccinated
The next step is determining if the dog attacked you has been vaccinated against rabies.
This information is important for two reasons:
- It will help your doctor determine what kind of treatment you need (we’ll get to that in a minute).
- It will affect whether or not you can file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner.
If the dog has been vaccinated, it has a low chance of it having rabies. Otherwise, there’s a much higher chance that it could be rabid. In which case, you would need to receive immediate medical treatment.
Get Medical Treatment
Even if the bite doesn’t seem serious, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. They will be able to clean and dress the wound properly to prevent infection. They will also be able to assess whether you need additional treatment, such as a tetanus shot or antibiotics.
Prepare to Face the Emotional Stress After the Injury
Dealing with a dog bite can be a traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. It’s not uncommon to feel anxious or scared around dogs after such an incident. If you’re finding it hard to cope, consider talking to a therapist who can help you work through your emotions. You may also want to join a support group for dog bite survivors.
Final Word
Dealing with a dog bite can be a scary and overwhelming experience. But by following these tips, you can help ensure that you’re taking the proper steps to protect yourself physically and legally.
