Dog attacks are common across the country, and if you are unfortunate enough to be bitten by a dog, it's important to know what help is available to you. Below are 4 tips to help you following a dog attack:
Seek Immediate Treatment
If you've been bitten by a dog, you need to get to a hospital immediately. The bite itself may not be severe, but you can still be left with dangerous infections following the incident. Therefore, you need to clean the wounded area with water whilst ensuring that any hair left by the dog has been removed. After this, wrap a bandage around the area to protect the wound from further infection.
Regardless of whether the bite seems severe or not, you need to get to a hospital for proper medical advice. Even small bites require treatment in order to avoid complications down the line. Therefore, make sure you go to the hospital to get a proper diagnosis and a course of antibiotics.
Report the Incident to the Police
Once you have been to the hospital and have had your wound assessed, you need to report the incident to the police. Don't wait to visit your local station—you will remember the details much more clearly immediately after the attack, so use this to your advantage.
If your case is severe enough, the courts may ask for a hearing. In this case, the judge will liaise with the police to determine whether the incident was reported and the claim filed within a reasonable period of time.
Try and Gather Evidence
Evidence is key to submitting a solid personal injury claim, so try and gather as much as possible following the incident. The best form of evidence is photographs of the affected area. Make sure that you take photographs of the wounded area in order to justify your claim and ensure that the court can fully appreciate the extent of your injury.
If possible, get a witness to back up your version of events. Perhaps there was a neighbor present or another dog walker who saw the attack take place. If so, ask them to give a statement to the police in order to verify what you have said is accurate.
Get Professional Help
The process of filing a personal injury claim can be difficult to navigate, so it's imperative that you seek professional advice. Personal injury lawyers are highly qualified attorneys that have the expertise necessary to make a successful claim. Whether it's speaking directly to witnesses, itemising the extent of your damages, or using complex legislation in support of your claim, personal injury attorneys can offer a wealth of advice that will maximize the extent of your personal injury claim. Contact a law firm like Katz Nowinski PC for additional information.
