Responsible dog ownership is a privilege that requires understanding and following the law regarding pets. Most dog owners are responsible and want to keep their pets from harming humans.
That said, about 4.5 million people in the U.S. are victims of dog bite injuries each year, and more than 800,000 of them need emergency care. It’s a mistake to assume that only certain breeds attack or that the dogs of friends and neighbors are automatically safe. Here’s how to protect yourself and take civil and legal action if you become a dog bite victim.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Unfortunately, too few dogs receive proper training to develop safe and compliant behaviors. Without this crucial training, a dog may assert control, dominance, or aggressive tendencies in certain situations. The potential for unpredictable behavior on the dog’s part can make things challenging for the owners and others who encounter the animal.
Children are especially vulnerable to dog bites and attacks. They’re more likely to make quick and sudden movements that can be perceived as threatening to a dog. Never leave a child unsupervised with any dog.
What To Do If You Suffer a Dog Bite
If a dog attack does occur, the first thing to do is to remove yourself from further risk of harm immediately. After that, be sure to do the following:
- Assess whether you need emergency medical treatment. Also, do what you can to clean the wound, control bleeding, and apply antibiotic ointment to avoid infection.
- Once you are safe, try to get the dog’s owner’s name, address, and phone number.
- Document the details of the attack, including the location, who was present, and the circumstances surrounding it. Make notes of your injuries and take photos to document the incident.
- Depending on the attack and other factors, you may also wish to file a police report.
- Consider consulting a personal injury lawyer experienced in dog attacks.
Obtain Legal Counsel for Your Injuries After a Dog Bite
The aftermath of a dog bite can cause as much harm as the injury itself. A dog attack can be traumatic and upsetting, leaving you with emotional and physical pain. In addition to getting medical help, contact a lawyer specializing in dog attacks if you want to explore your legal options. If you’ve suffered an injury, suffering, and other losses, you deserve compensation from the liable pet owner. For more information or to schedule an initial consultation, call our dog bite attorneys at 513.721.6500 or use our online contact form.