Even if you enjoy being around dogs, never lose sight of the fact that these animals can attack. If a dog attacks you, it’s important that you take the right steps without delay.
Here are five things you should immediately do:
- Get to safety: You should get away from the dog as quickly as possible, as you don’t want a single bite to turn into something much more serious. No matter what it takes, move to safety so you can better assess your situation.
- Receive medical care: Even if you don’t believe that you have a serious injury, it’s better to be safe than sorry. For example, some dogs are not vaccinated against rabies, meaning you could end up with this serious disease if you don’t receive treatment.
- Exchange information: Just the same as a car accident, collect information from the dog’s owner. This includes their contact information and anything they know about the dog, such as its vaccination history. If you’re unable to do so after the attack, do your best to follow up as soon as possible.
- Talk to witnesses: When possible, collect contact information for anyone who witnessed the attack. Statements from them will come in handy if you file a lawsuit or insurance claim in the future.
- File a report with animal control: This goes a long way in holding the dog’s owner responsible. It can also prevent the dog from attacking someone else in the future, thus saving them the pain and suffering that you’re going through.
Along with the above, document the attack to the best of your ability. This means:
- Taking photos of the scene and your injuries
- Making notes that outline the side effects of your injuries
- Keeping detailed records of all medical visits and bills
You shouldn’t avoid dogs in fear of an attack, however, it’s good practice to stay away from any animal that’s aggressive.
If a dog attacks you, don’t waste any time seeking medical treatment. Your health is top priority, and the sooner you consult with a doctor the better off you will be.
From there, if it makes sense to do so, consider your options for filing an insurance claim. You want to learn more about the many steps you can take to protect your legal rights, which often leads to seeking compensation for your dog bite injuries and other damages.
For more information, contact a leading Michigan dog bite injury lawyer at Lipton Law.