By: Lucy Jones
When furry companions are more bite than bark, people could be injured, and taking care of a dog bite may be a doctor’s visit or a legal matter.
Taking a walk in the park can be a soothing way to enjoy nature and get some exercise, but that off-leash dog may reshape the afternoon with just one bite. A dog bite is a real problem that requires care, whether at home or from a medical professional.
Getting to safety is the first priority, but after addressing the wound, you may consider reporting the incident or seeking a dog bite lawyer in Jerichoif expenses become too much to handle.
What to Do After a Dog Bites You
Some people may view certain breeds of dogs as more likely to bite than others. Temperament can be shaped by surroundings and socialization.
Paying attention to body language could prevent a bite, but the World Animal Foundation still reports that dogs bite more than 4.5 million people in the US each year.
The first action after a dog bites is to get to safety, away from the pet or stray. Once you’re at a safe distance, assess yourself or the bitten person. Assess how severe the wound is; this determines whether you need to seek medical attention.
If the bite is severe enough, victims may be able to report the incident to the authorities. Health and safety are most important in the long term.
Cleaning and Caring for A Dog Bite
First, wash the wound with warm water to clean the skin and bite. Next, the National Health Service recommends gently squeezing the wound to push a small amount of blood to the surface. This may help prevent infection.
Third, you may press a clean cloth to the bite to stop any heavy bleeding. After cleaning the wound, pat it dry and cover it with a clean dressing. Once the bite is dressed, cleaning is complete.
You or the injured person may take the recommended dose of a painkiller if the wound is causing pain.
Before cleaning the wound, assess its depth and location. If the wound is deep, bleeding heavily, or in a vital area, seek medical attention.
Caring for a dog bite doesn’t end with cleaning or seeing a professional. Until the wound heals, it needs consistent care to prevent or manage infection.
Normal wound healing signs can include:
- Mild redness or swelling
- Mild warmth around the wound that goes away over time
- The wound released fluid
- Mild pain or discomfort that goes away over time
- Some tingling or shock sensation that goes away over time
The main sign of infection is worsening symptoms, such as spreading redness, increased swelling, or increased pain. If the wound gets worse over time, a visit to a medical professional may be beneficial.
After Wound Care: Documentation and Information
Once you’re safely away from the dog and have cleaned the wound, you may choose to document the incident if it was severe enough.
In some jurisdictions, you can report dog bite incidents to local police. Authorities will file a report and take steps if the dog has a bite history or previous aggressive behavior.
Medical records from doctor’s visits can also help establish the injury. Photographs of injuries can help show the depth of the injuries.
Should you choose to pursue legal action, the name and contact information of the dog’s owner may be useful information.
What is a Dog Bite Lawyer and When Do You Need One?
If the owner did not take proper precautions to stop the dog from biting, you could have a personal injury case.
You may be able to recover compensation for emotional or financial injuries. Emotional injuries can include pain and suffering from psychological effects of the incident or disability that changes use of the body. Financial injuries can include medical expenses or lost income because you can’t work after the incident.
A dog bite lawyer is a personal injury lawyer specializing in dog bite cases. The legal team takes on the responsibility of proving your case to the insurance company for financial compensation.
While the team cannot change the circumstances, they may be able to ease the burden through payment, which could cover medical bills or help you take time off work to recover.
Hiring a dog bite lawyer is your personal decision, but if you find yourself incurring medical bills or unable to work after a dog bites you or a loved one, a dog bite lawyer could be an option.
FAQ
What should you do first after a dog bite?
Your priority should be to get to safety. Next steps may include controlling any bleeding, cleaning the wound, and, if necessary, seeking appropriate medical care.
Should a dog bite be reported?
Reporting requirements for dog bite incidents vary by location and the circumstances under which the bite occurred. Checking with local authorities about how to report, and whether reporting is possible, can help you understand the process.
When should you speak with a lawyer about a dog bite?
Legal support may be worthwhile if the dog bite injuries are serious, affect other areas (like your ability to work), or lead to high medical costs.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you have been injured by a dog bite, consult a qualified medical professional for care and a licensed attorney regarding your specific situation.
