SHOULD YOU CALL A LAWYER IF BITTEN BY A DOG?
Dogs are commonly known as “man’s best friend,” but the truth of the matter is that they are still animals. Many dogs lack the proper training around humans and some have simply been subjected to abuse. Even dogs that are well trained can injure people with enough provocation. Approximately 5 million dog bites occur every year in the United States. About 800,000 of these attacks require medical attention. Regardless of whether or not Sparky is the cutest little chihuahua or a pit bull, you should know what precautions to take with dogs and what steps to take if you are bitten.
Avoid an attack.
Many owners claim that their dogs wouldn’t hurt a fly. In a lot of cases, this is probably true, but you can never be too careful.
- Supervise children when they are with dogs. Children often get too aggressive with dogs. Dogs do have boiling points, and even a well-trained dog can pushed over the edge.
- Educate your children. If you know that your children will be around dogs, teach them how to socialize with them first. Half of dog bite victims that require medical attention are children.
- Use caution when approaching an unfamiliar dog. Do not touch the dog without getting consent from the owner first.
- Respect the dog’s territory. Dogs are territorial by nature. Leave a dog alone when it is eating, sleeping, playing with its toy, or caring for its puppies.
If you are bitten, be proactive.
- Check to see if you need medical attention. Even minor punctures can cause the risk of infection. Some injuries may seem minor at first glance, but it is very common for the effects to show later. Inform your physician that a dog has attacked you.
- Identify the dog and the owner. To recover financial compensation for your injuries, it is necessary to identify the dog and who the owner of the dog is. Dogs of the same breed look almost identical, so quickly identify the dog.
- Gather as much information as possible. You may have a cause of action, so it is important to get the necessary information. Get the contact information of the dog owner and any witnesses. Immediately take pictures of the owner, the dog, and your injuries. Write notes so that you can refer to them later on. Keep all the records and receipts related to the incident and your injuries.
Contact an attorney at Your Arizona Lawyer. We have lawyers who handle these types of cases. An attorney will assist you in getting medical compensation, future expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Also, it is possible that the owner’s home insurance policy can cover the damages.