How to React After a Dog Bite

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Injury

When a dog bites someone, it can be a very traumatic and emotional situation for the victim and the owner. Unfortunately, dog bites are very frequent accidents and often affect postmen and children the most. Dog bites make up a very large amount of personal injury cases due to their prevalence. It is important to take the right steps after a dog bite so that the victim can claim liability.

After an incident happens involving a dog bite there are some things a victim can do to ensure that they receive compensation they deserve. If you have been a victim of a dog bite, here are some steps you can take to help your case.

Seek Medical Attention

When someone is attacked by a dog they might not realize at first how severe the injury is. It is important to receive medical attention immediately after a dog bite because the dog might have rabies or a number of other bacterial strains that can cause infection. Even if the dog owner claims that the dog has been vaccinated, it is still necessary to get medical advice. At a hospital, they can treat and close the wound and provide records that help legitimize your claim.

Keep Records

After a dog bite occurs, the owner may plead with the victim to not file a report with animal control or with the police. However, filing a report with the police will mean that the incident is well documented. While the authorities are notified they can begin a formal investigation and establish liability.

Keep any records that are relevant to the incident. If you sought medical treatment make sure to keep a copy of all medical records and bills. Medical records can include receipts of any out-of-pocket expenses, descriptions of procedures, and records from doctors. If you lost wages due to the accident you should keep records of that also. To receive reimbursement, it is important to prove that you lost money in the first place.

Collect Evidence

Take photographs. This is one of the most important steps to take after a dog bite incident. It is best to take pictures of the wound before and during the healing process. These pictures can portray to the jury the extent of the injury and how much pain it caused. Taking pictures during the healing process can show how long and difficult the recovery was.

Secondly, make sure to gather evidence from any witnesses to the dog bite or any person with relevant information. There may be someone who saw the accident happen or who can testify that the owner was not maintaining safe conditions. It could be helpful to gather information on whether the dog was being kept on a leash and if the dog acted aggressively towards other people.

Hold off on Insurance Statements

Many victims of dog bites try to settle their case by filing an insurance claim. However, insurance adjusters will try and save the insurance company money. If you file with an insurance company it is likely that the claim will be settled for less than it is worth. It is best to find a suitable and aggressive personal injury lawyer to get full compensation.

Contact an Erie Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Dog Bite Case in Pennsylvania

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a dog bite in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. represent clients injured because of a dog bite in Erie, Millcreek, Harborcreek, Fairview, Meadville and throughout Pennsylvania. Call (814) 833-7100 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2525 W 26th St, Erie, PA 16506, as well as offices in Meadville and North East.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.