No one ever imagines they will end up the victim of a dog bite injury, but sadly it can happen unexpectedly. You should be prepared with a plan of what to do in case you are injured from a dog bite. We’ve compiled the five steps you should follow immediately after the incident.
1.File a Police Report
If you are injured and need medical attention, your first step should always be to call 911. When emergency responders are called, a paper trail is created documenting the accident. The police will likely come out to the scene and document the incident and the evidence. Not only is this good for your safety, but this also provides the evidence needed when you go to file an insurance claim. Having a written, official report of the incident is vital for building your case.
2.Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you’ve been injured you must go to the doctor as soon as possible. Not only do you want to treat your injuries as quickly as possible for your health, but also for the evidence your medical records provide in your case. Just as the police report is evidence of the accident, so are your medical records. Having documentation of your injuries and the treatment required is crucial when trying to prove your case.
3.Photograph Injuries
As you can tell, having the proper evidence is necessary to the success of your case. That’s why you should also photograph your injuries as further proof. Taking pictures of the injuries you have sustained further corroborates the medical records you have obtained as evidence.
4.Collect Information from the Parties Involved
If it’s possible, you should try and collect all the information from the parties involved as quickly as possible. Try and find the dog owner’s name, address, and any other contact information. You might want to ask for their insurance information if they have it. You should also get the veterinarian’s information of the dog that bit you so you can verify it is up to date on all its vaccines, particularly its rabies shots. Exposure to rabies requires immediate medical attention, so check with the vet to see if you are at risk.
5.Hire an Attorney
There are a lot of variables in a dog bite case, which can make it difficult to deal with all on your own. That’s why you should hire a personal injury attorney to help you through your case and offer you legal counsel on all the ways you can proceed. If you have been injured by a dog bite, call Greathouse Trial Law today. Our team is prepared to walk you through every step of the process and help you reach the outcome you deserve.
