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What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury
While many people have made dogs into household pets, they are very dangerous animals if untrained. A dog can strike at any moment and cause serious injury to anyone in its path. It seems that was the case at a homeless encampment in California. Witnesses reported that three people were injured and one person died.
It all started when two men were involved in a physical altercation. During the confrontation, a dog attacked, and emergency services transported several people to local hospitals with varying injuries. The dog reportedly escaped a nearby motorhome and began to attack everyone in its path. Animal services removed the dog from the scene, and the owner was also detained by police.Â
Steps to Take After a Dog Attack
First and foremost, a dog bite can quickly become infected and worsen your condition. You will need to treat your injury immediately. While some dog bite victims choose to treat minor injuries at home, the best option would be to seek emergency care. There are several steps you can take at home, such as:
- Use soap and tap water to clean the wound
- Use a clean cloth to stop or slow the bleeding
- If you have access, use antibiotic creamÂ
- Wrap the wound until you see a doctor
- You will also need to change the bandage every few days or as directed by your doctor
- If you see any redness, pain, fever, or swelling, then you may be getting an infectionÂ
A doctor will be able to examine the wound and clean it correctly. The doctor will look for signs of infection and prescribe oral antibiotics for possible infection. They will need to know what kind of dog bit you and will administer a tetanus immunization if necessary. This shot will be good for ten years. Depending on the wound, you may need to get stitches.Â
The above is an example of a minor injury, but dogs can often cause more severe damage. Other instances will require surgeries and long-term care. A dog bite victim will be disfigured for the rest of their life after a dog bite injury.Â
Documenting a Dog Bite
On top of the aforementioned medical steps, there are also legal steps you will need to take. The first is appropriately documenting your injuries. Documentation will also include taking pictures of yourself, the dog, and where you were. This step is vital as a dog owner can argue that you instigated their dog or were on their property.Â
Collect all medical documents after your doctor’s visits. It would also be best to start a pain journal to tell how the accident has affected your life each day. Lastly, you will want to write down an account of the attack immediately after.Â
Contact a Dog Bite Injury Attorney
After you have sought medical care and have documented your injuries, you should speak to a dog bite injury lawyer to assess your legal options. This attack can traumatize you for life, and you deserve justice. The negligent dog owner needs to be held liable for their dog’s actions. Use the contact form to schedule a consultation with the Law Offices of Scott Righthand P.C.
