What to Do After You’ve Been Bitten By Someone’s Dog in El Paso
A dog bite attorney can help you build a case around your wound, no matter what the circumstances are. This is all because dog bites are nothing to take lightly. In fact, they can become so harmful that the owner of the dog is often held liable to pay for damages and losses. If you or a loved one has recently experienced a dog bite, we’re here to help learn about the medical and legal steps to take.
Seek Medical Attention
Even the smallest dog bites can become serious injuries if left untreated. After being bitten, call to receive medical help right away. Not all dogs are vaccinated for rabies. If a dog with rabies bit you and left a puncture wound, you will have to receive a vaccination immediately. If possible, you or a loved one should take pictures of your wounds before treated that way you can more accurately document the damage and harm done.
Wash and Treat the Wound While Awaiting Medical Attention
When waiting to get medical help, have a loved one help you with washing the wound as much as possible. You can use a mild, gentle soap and run the wound under warm tap water for anywhere from five to ten minutes. If you are bleeding, apply an antibiotic cream and wrap the wound with a sterile bandage. You will want to keep the wound on until you are seen by a doctor.
Exchange Information with The Owner of the Dog
Just as you would after a car accident, you need to exchange information with the owner or caretaker of the dog. This should be done as soon as possible that way you don’t have to look for their contact information after receiving medical attention. It is also important to consult with the owner of the dog so you can know whether or not the dog has their vaccinations. The contact information you receive should include the owner’s full name, address, and phone number that they can be reached at.
Document Any Injuries
Documenting your injuries is also very critical to take care of after being bitten by a dog. In addition to taking pictures, it is helpful to provide a description of the injury and the pain. Highlight the effects of the dog bite including decreased mobility and/or the inability to perform specific actions. Any of this information can be documented through photos, journal entries, medical records, and other written records. When writing about the injuries, include events and circumstances regarding the bite with as many details as possible.
Gather Witnesses
Don’t forget about consulting with witnesses when documenting the dog bite. If there was anyone around that saw the dog bite, you can correspond with them throughout your case. With ongoing medical care, keep these medical records and expenses that are a result of the dog bite. This also includes lost wages and travel costs, if applicable. The more documentation you can provide regarding the dog bite, the bigger compensation you may be entitled to.
File a Report with Your Local Animal Control Agency
You can work with several parties in a dog bite case, especially your local animal control agency. Not only can they help to prevent further injuries but they can also help in the investigation. When the insurance company starts on your claim, it is possible they will want to contact the animal control agency to receive testimony or details about the bite. This definitely helps your case, so don’t forget to call a local agency when filing a claim.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney
You don’t have to go through a personal injury claim on your own. A dog bite attorney or personal injury lawyer is more than qualified to walk you through your claim. Believe it or not, dog bites are common. Because of this, many attorneys, such as our El Paso dog bite attorney, have extensive experience in dob bite settlements, and lawsuits. A personal injury lawyer has the knowledge you need to help you get through your claim successfully.
Instances that Qualify for a Dog Bite Claim
There are many situations of a dog bite that often lead to a successful claim or case such as:
- You were bitten on the job
- Improper use of a police job
- Your neighbor’s dog bit you on your property or their property
It can be a bit more difficult to build a claim or case in states that do not have a strict liability law when it comes to dog bites. That is why you should hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as you start filing your claim.
Explore Your Legal Options with a Personal Injury Lawyer at Huerta Law Firm
By choosing to work with a personal injury lawyer from Huerta Law Firm, you can rest assured that you will receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (915) 629-9988 today to get started on your claim.