Steps to Take Immediately After a Dog Bite Injury
Data from the Insurance Information Institute reveals that there were 19,062 dog bite and related injury claims made in 2023. Total payouts of the claims reached about US$1.12 billion. The average cost per claim is approximately $58,545.
A dog bite can be frightening and painful. Immediate steps should be taken by the person who was bitten by the dog. Being confused and unsure of what to do is natural.
An injured victim is entitled to compensation. According to dog bite lawyer Aaron Bundy, building a strong claim for compensation will require you to rely on solid evidence, like medical records, witness testimony, and animal control reports.
Let’s discuss the steps you need to take right after receiving a dog bite.
Assess the Severity of the Wound
Following a dog bite incident, you should take a look at the wound’s severity to determine the appropriate action.
Assess the size of the bite. Severe bites that are bleeding profusely should immediately require emergency help.
Be sure to consult your trusted medical professional if you experience swelling, redness, and pus infection.
Minor bite injuries can trigger unexpected side effects, which should be handled timely. You may have grounds for personal injury compensation so you can receive money to pay up medical costs. The potential compensation you will receive can also be used to cover other damages like the loss of income or emotional distress resulting from the assault. Having this knowledge will help one feel less alone in this stressful situation.
Clean the Bite Area Thoroughly
The quick wash of a wound increases the chance of preventing an infection.
Wash the bite or wound gently under running water for five to ten minutes to remove grime or bacteria.
Use mild soap, but avoid aggressive scrubbing. The soap can irritate the skin and wound. Dry the area with clean gauze or cloth. Do not apply ointments. With clean tweezers, sterilized with 70% alcohol, remove any visible debris.
Following the steps shows you care about your health and your commitment to a full recovery.
Seek Medical Attention
Any dog bite injury should be treated medically.
The medical professional who treats dog bite wounds will evaluate it for stitches and, depending on the case, administer a tetanus shot to you.
They may also check if the dog who bit you is infected with rabies. Going to a doctor is the first thing you should do to get better and have your injury treated.
Report the Incident
Report a dog bite incident to the police or the authorities. Aside from serving formalities, reporting what transpired promotes a safer environment for all.
Call the animal control agency or the police for an investigation of the animal for any health hazards, such as rabies. A veterinarian should examine the dog, especially if it was able to infect another creature.
The incident should be formally documented so that you can use it when you pursue legal action.
Be very particular when writing the report and giving your details. Don’t forget to include the name of the owner of the dog, along with the place, the time, and the occasion of the attack.
Document the Details of the Bite
In the aftermath of reporting the incident, recount all the information you can about the bite.
Specify what kind of dog it was, the dog’s colors, and its size. There might have been people witnessing the event. Record their names and phone numbers since their statements could be used to support your claims.
Photograph all the injuries and the location from at least one angle, including the featured surroundings. Write an account of how the bite happened, including anything that occurred right before.
See to it that the evidence you collect is stored in a safe place and can easily be retrieved. Evidence can help illustrate the incident. These documents and information could prove extremely useful in the event of any medical or legal action.
