What Should I Do After I’ve Been Bitten By a Dog?
Dog bites are a serious issue that can cause physical injury and emotional trauma. While dogs are known as man’s best friend, they can still pose a threat if not properly trained and socialized. Dog bites are common, with 4.5 million individuals bitten by dogs annually in the United States, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). During National Dog Bite Prevention Week, the personal injury attorneys at Patterson Legal Group explain what to do after you’ve been bitten by a dog and why you should contact a personal injury attorney after suffering from a dog bite.
What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog?
If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog, you deserve compensation for your injuries and other losses. Before you contact a personal injury to start your injury claim, however, there are a few things you should do:
- Identify the dog and its owner: identify the dog that bit you and its owner. Ask the owner for their contact information and the dog’s vaccination records, as this information may be necessary for medical treatment and legal proceedings.
- Clean the wound: clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water or saline wound wash. This will remove dirt, bacteria, and any other debris that may have entered the wound.
- Seek medical attention: after a dog bite, it is vital to seek medical attention. Even if the wound is small, infection is still possible. You will likely receive antibiotics, anti-rabies drugs, and a tetanus shot. Sepsis and strep infections are also possible after a dog bite. Additionally, medical records are vital evidence in a personal injury case.
- Gather additional evidence: along with your medical records, other evidence is crucial to developing a strong personal injury claim. Make sure to take photos and videos of your injury and photos of the accident scene. Make a note of the time, date, and location of the attack. If there are any witnesses to the bite, make sure to get their information as your attorney might contact them to help build your case.
- Report the incident: report the dog bite to the local animal control agency or police department. They will investigate the incident and determine if the dog poses a risk to public safety. If the dog was loose when it bit you, reporting the incident can also help to identify the dog and its owner and prevent future dog attacks.
Depending on your location, laws and your legal rights surrounding dog bites vary. Under Missouri dog bite law, the owner of a dog is responsible for any injuries caused by their pet. This means that the owner has a legal obligation to ensure that their dog does not pose a threat to others and to take reasonable measures to prevent their dog from causing harm—it is the owner’s responsibility to keep their pet from injuring others.
If you were bitten by a dog in Kansas, the law is similar. Kansas Statute § 47-645 states that a dog owner is liable for any damages or injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or the owner was aware of the dog’s propensity to bite. However, Kansas is one of the states that follows the “one-bite rule.” This indicates that in order for the dog’s owner to be held liable, there has to be knowledge of or cause to suspect that the dog would bite. In order to establish a strong case, you need to show the dog owner was negligent and had cause to suspect the dog may be aggressive.
Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer
After you’ve been bitten by a dog, starting a personal injury claim will ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Many people do not realize they have this option after a dog bite and will accept the first offer from the insurance company, not realizing they are likely entitled to a larger settlement, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Suffering from a dog bite can be a traumatic experience that can cause life-altering injuries and emotional damage. The insurance company will take advantage of this and offer you a low settlement. Don’t let this happen to you! A dog bite attorney can make sure you receive compensation and justice for your injury as well as:
- Help expedite your claim: a personal injury attorney will fight for you to get what you deserve as soon as possible from the insurance company. They will also ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Provide legal expertise: our personal injury attorneys understand both Missouri and Kansas dog bite laws. They can help you understand your legal rights, evaluate the strength of your case, and guide you through the legal process.
- Maximize your compensation: a lawyer will help you obtain the maximum compensation you are entitled to, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the attack.
- Investigate the incident: a lawyer will review evidence to build a strong case on your behalf. This may include interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records, and determining if additional evidence is needed to further the case.
- Prove negligence: with the evidence presented, an attorney will be able to prove negligence, the key component of personal injury claims. To establish negligence, you must show that the dog owner had a duty to keep the dog under control, that they breached that duty, and that their breach caused your injuries.
- Fight for you in court: if a settlement cannot be reached, your case will go to court. They will support you throughout the legal process, provide evidence, and argue your case before a judge or jury.
Along with those, hiring a personal injury attorney after a dog bite will give you peace of mind knowing your case is being handled by a qualified lawyer.
Bitten by a Dog? Contact Patterson Legal Group
It’s important to remember that the legal process can be complex, especially when it comes to dog bite cases. That’s why it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable and experienced local dog bite lawyer on your side to guide you through the process and protect your rights. With our team of personal injury attorneys, you can rest assured that you have a dedicated advocate on your side who will fight for you every step of the way.
Our team has proven results and over 75 years of combined experience representing dog bite injury victims in Kansas and Missouri. With our “no win, no fee” policy, our clients do not pay unless we recover money on your behalf.
To get started on your free consultation, call us 24/7 at (888) 687-2400. You can also fill out this online contact form or connect with our LiveChat representatives.
