Every year, millions of individuals are bitten by dogs, and the majority of dog bite victims are children. If you have been bitten by your neighbor’s dog, there are certain steps you should take to protect your health and your rights. This blog post will discuss what you need to do if you find yourself in this unfortunate position.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The first step is to seek medical attention as soon as possible after the incident. Even if the injury appears minor, it is important to get checked out by a doctor in order to make sure that no further medical issues arise. If the bite was serious enough that it requires stitches or other treatment, then be sure to keep all documentation of your injury and all related expenses as you may be able to pursue compensation for these costs later on.
Make Sure the Dog is Vaccinated
The next step is to find out if the dog is vaccinated. This information could affect your medical treatment, so it’s important to have this information as soon as possible. If the dog is not vaccinated, then you should contact your local animal control agency or animal shelter immediately so they can assess the situation and take action if necessary. It is important that all dogs be current on their rabies shots in case of any exposure to rabies-bearing animals such as raccoons or skunks.
Gather Evidence of What Happened
You will also want to gather evidence about what happened when the dog bit you such as photos or witness statements from anyone who saw the incident happen. This information can be invaluable if it comes time for you to file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner or if you decide to pursue a settlement with them outside of court.
Contact a Lawyer
Finally, it is important that you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who specializes in cases involving dog bites. An attorney will be able to help guide you through the legal process and advise you on how best to proceed with seeking compensation for your injuries and other damages incurred due to the bite incident.
No one ever expects that they will be bitten by a neighbor’s dog but unfortunately these incidents do happen from time to time. If this has happened to you, it is important that you follow these steps so that your health and rights are protected throughout this challenging process. Taking immediate action can make all the difference in terms of getting compensation and making sure everyone involved remains safe in future encounters with this dog. Be sure to contact a lawyer specializing in dog bite cases right away so they can provide additional guidance throughout this difficult process.