Experience a Dog Bite? Here’s What to Do
Most people associate dogs with love, affection, and companionship. While this sentiment holds true for dogs and their owners, the truth is that dogs are animals, and they are capable of inflicting damage and injury should they feel threatened. In the unfortunate event of a dog bite, it’s critical to take the right steps to document, report, and recover from the incident. By being thorough and collecting the necessary information at the scene, you can ensure you have a case for a NYC Dog Bite Attorney.
What Causes a Dog Bite?
Even people with the best intentions might put themselves at risk of a dog bite. Provoked dogs could bite for the following reasons:
- Threats- A dog might instinctively protect his owner, his space, and his food.
- Fear- A dog that doesn’t trust a person or stranger can react negatively, especially if they are startled.
- Illness- A dog that isn’t feeling well might want to be left alone.
What Steps do I Take Immediately After a Dog Bite?
First, give the dog space and examine your injuries. If you only suffered minor injuries, such as a scrape or a knick, rinse the area with gentle soap and warm water and apply antibiotic ointment and a bandage. If the injuries are worse, or you’re bleeding, call 911 or seek medical attention immediately.
Gather Important Details
Arguably the most important part of the aftermath of a bite is to collect the dog’s details. Write down the owner’s name, the dog’s name, ask if the dog is vaccinated (to address the concern of rabies), take a picture of them if possible, and write down the facts of the incident. Whether or not the owner admits fault, this documentation process is critical for your case.
While you may be frazzled and have adrenaline pumping, it’s always wise to take photos of the injuries. These images can benefit you when filing a police report, an insurance claim, and for your lawyer. Be sure to take pictures of any wounds, bruises, torn clothing, broken items, scratches, and bite marks.
Report the Incident
If the injuries sustained were severe, it’s vital to file a report with the appropriate city and county authorities. If the dog attacks again, this will provide a paper trail for your case and future ones. If the county deems the dog dangerous after his track record, police can act accordingly.
It’s also important to note that simply reporting a dog bite doesn’t mean the dog will be euthanized. In fact, the dog won’t earn a “dangerous dog” label with one bite. Reporting the bite ensures your case is taken seriously and that the owner is accountable for his or her dog’s actions.
Call a Dog Bite Lawyer
Injuries from a dog bite can result in the following:
- Sprains & fractures
- Broken bones
- Rabies
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Neck and back injuries
While each case varies, dog bite injury victims may be eligible for compensation for:
• Medical expenses
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering
• Expenses associated with physical therapy or long-term care
• Temporary and permanent disabilities
• Disfigurement
• Punitive damages
• Lost wages/loss of earning potential
Superficial injuries heal, but more severe and unseen effects can manifest themselves over time. Emotional trauma and phobias can develop, often requiring professional assistance to intervene to allow you to fully recover and walk the streets of NYC without the fear of the incident repeating itself.
If you or someone you know has sustained a dog bite injury in New York City, you have legal rights and recourse. Let the law offices of Nicholas E. Tzaneteas navigate the complicated legal landscape regarding animal bites, premise liability, and medical reimbursement on your behalf. Call our premier attorneys today at (718) 704-5519 to speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer regarding your case.