Dog bites are the one of the most common injury causes that occur within the U.S. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) state that over 4,500,000 dog bites occur annually. With this huge figure, it’s important to know what to do following a dog bite injury. A dog bite injury can cause damage both physically and mentally, and can cause a tremendous amount of pain. If you have been injured by a dog bite, here is everything you need to know.
Who’s Responsible?
When a dog bite occurs, it is usually the owner of the dog who is responsible, especially if they were negligent i.e. didn’t have their dog on a leash or hasn’t had their dog vaccinated. Dog bite injuries are usually examined in court depending on how many times the dog has bitten before. If the dog has previously bitten someone else or has shown signs of aggressive behavior, the “one bite rule” applies.
Leash Laws
Within each state, different laws apply regarding leashes. You should check within your own state which leash laws apply but as a general rule, dog owners are not allowed to let their dogs roam free within city limits. A dog owner must always have some form of physical control of their pet and they are never allowed to take a dangerous dog off their leash. If these laws have been disobeyed, the owner can be proven negligent, the dog may be impounded, and the owner will also be asked to pay a fine.
What to Do Following a Dog Bite Injury
If you have been bitten by a dog, you must seek medical treatment. At the scene, gather information about the dog and its owner. You must also find out if the dog that has bitten you has had a rabies vaccination. If not, you will also need to take preventative treatment for rabies to keep you safe. You should also inform the police as they will need to be involved and a report will need to be filed. They may also get animal control involved if the dog is deemed dangerous and to check on the dog’s health.
The wound will need to be cleaned and may even require stitches depending on the severity. It may also be that you need time off work to recover, especially if the dog bite is on the hands or face. A dog bite is a serious incident and can cause a serious fear towards dogs. If this is the case, ensure you speak to your doctor or a counselor.
Finding a Personal Injury Lawyer
A dog bite can cause unwanted medical bills, time off work and stress. If you have been injured by a dog bite that has caused you unwanted bills and harm, speak to a personal injury lawyer who will be able to look at your case and inform you of the next steps to take. Gather all the information you can as this will help with building your case and taking it to court.
Dog bite injuries can be serious, and you should always check if the dog has been vaccinated. Following an injury, speak to a personal injury lawyer who can help you with your case.
