It’s hard to believe, but dogs bite more than 4.5 million people every year in the U.S. Sadly, a large percentage of dog-bite victims are children. Seventy percent of dog bite deaths occur among children. Dog bite lawyers are personal injury attorneys who focus on helping people get the compensation they deserve after an attack.
4 Crucial Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
Being bitten by a dog is an emotional and frightening experience. Few people expect “man’s best friend” to turn violent. Even small nips can be incredibly painful. If a dog bites you or a loved one, take immediate action. Untreated injuries can get infected and become a serious health hazard.
While health and safety come first, fast action is also important if you plan on filing a personal injury case. Just as there are certain steps to take after an auto accident, there are specific things you can do after a dog bite that will protect your health and legal rights.
1. Seek Medical Care
Dog bites can lead to serious complications. Dog saliva contains high amounts of bacteria that can enter your bloodstream the moment a dog’s tooth breaks your skin. This bacteria may cause an infection even if the wound seems minor.
Rabies is also a concern when a person gets bitten by a dog. A doctor can test you for rabies and other potential viruses.
Make sure to follow up with all recommended medical care. Document your appointments and keep all receipts associated with your bite injuries. This record will be useful if you decide to file a dog bite claim in the future.
2. Report the Injury
Call animal control or local police to file a report. It should include information such as the name of the bite victim, the location of the incident, a description of the dog, and the contact information of the dog owner if known.
You may feel reluctant to file a report if you’re friends with the dog owner or if you are concerned about the welfare of the animal.
However, if it is the first bite incident, both the animal and the owner are protected. Texas maintains a so-called “one-bite rule” that essentially protects a dog owner from liability the first time a dog bites someone. However, once a history of biting has been established, the owner can be found liable.
Reporting the bite means you are protecting someone else if the dog bites again. A report will also help establish evidence in a lawsuit. Having a dog bite lawyer to help you navigate the law is key. Local ordinances and other laws on pet ownership could apply.
3. Gather Evidence
It’s not always possible to collect evidence at the scene, especially if the injury is severe. If you can, document the following facts immediately after the bite:
- Witness statements
- Contact information of the dog owner and witnesses
- Photos of the area, including faulty fences, gates, or other equipment that may be related to the incident
- Photos of the injury
Get as much information about the dog’s history as you can. Ask the owner or other knowledgeable people if the dog has bitten anyone before or is known for being unleashed, loose, or aggressive.
4. Contact a Dog Bite Attorney
Contact an experienced dog bite attorney to learn about your rights. Your injury doesn’t have to be debilitating to justify compensation. Even bites that cause minor physical damage can have a lasting psychological impact. An attorney will explain the process of filing a lawsuit and advise you on whether you have a viable dog bite case.
How Can Dog Bite Lawyers Help?
Personal injury attorneys understand the laws governing animal attacks, and they know what’s needed to build a successful case. Your legal team will conduct a full investigation to establish liability. An attorney will gather evidence and calculate a sum for fair compensation that includes:
- Immediate and ongoing medical costs
- Lost wages
- Costs for any medical equipment or supplies
- Costs for services you are unable to perform while recovering, such as home maintenance
- Transportation costs for medical appointments
Other bite-related damage, such as property damage or pain and suffering, will also be considered. Once damages are estimated, your attorney will negotiate a settlement with the dog owner’s insurance representatives. If necessary, your attorney will represent your case in a court trial.
FAQ
What Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
A dog bite attorney can estimate compensation after they’ve had a chance to establish the severity of your wounds and consult with medical professionals.
How Long Will It Take to Receive Compensation?
It’s impossible to guess exactly how long it will take to close a dog bite lawsuit. Some cases are resolved in a few weeks, while others can take several months. Settling a case out of court is faster than going to trial.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases in Texas?
Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a claim is two years from the day the bite occurs. However, some exceptions may apply that can extend the time frame.
Protect Your Rights Against Dog Bites
It’s the responsibility of dog owners to keep their pets under control at all times — no matter how cute they are. If you were attacked by a dog through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Reporting the incident and filing a lawsuit may also protect someone else from being hurt in the future.
Dog bites are serious injuries that can require extensive medical attention, including surgeries and ongoing physical therapy. People recovering from a dog bite shouldn’t have to worry about paying their medical bills. Contact the Ramsey Law Group if you need legal advice about a dog attack.