Dog bite victims often do not know what to do – they are scared, confused and uncertain about what steps they should take. This is why it can be very helpful to educate yourself on these situations before they occur, so you will be prepared to respond the right way.
The licensed Savannah dog bite lawyers at Roden Law are committed to helping you after a dog bite injury. After following the steps outlined below, consider contacting us to discuss what we can do for you. There is no risk, the consultation is free and there is no obligation.
Seek Medical Attention
Dog bites can range from minor to life-threatening. Some dog bites will heal quickly, while others can result in infection, nerve damage or disfigurement. It is important to quickly determine the severity of the dog bite so that you can take immediate steps to protect your health.
It is best to be cautious and go to the doctor, no matter how minor the injury appears. However, you should definitely seek medical attention in the following situations:
- You do not know the dog and cannot be sure if it has rabies
- You have a puncture wound
- You cannot control the bleeding
- Your wound appears to be infected
- You are experiencing a buildup of pus, swelling, reddening or warming near the injury site
Once you seek medical attention, your doctor can closely examine the wound and determine the extent of the damage, and if there is any damage to muscles, tendons, nerves, bones or other body parts.
You may need follow-up treatment, so your doctor can re-examine the wound and monitor it for signs of infection and ensure it is healing appropriately. Make sure to follow the treatment plan the doctor gives you – failing to do so could hurt your chances of recovering compensation.
Gather Information from the Dog Owner and Witnesses
Get information from the dog owner because you may be able to pursue compensation from him or her or his or her insurance company. Ask for his or her name, address, phone number, homeowner’s insurance information and vaccine history for the dog.
Also, if anyone witnessed the attack or ran to your aid, get their contact information. Eyewitness accounts can provide a more accurate picture of what happened.
Document Your Injuries
Take pictures of your injuries before and after you receive medical treatment and throughout your recovery period. This helps to show how treatment is progressing, and reinforces your diagnosis and the severity of your injuries.
You should also document the full extent of your damages, including all financial losses you suffered, such as medical expenses or lost wages. Keep track of all medical reports and bills. Keep a record of any travel costs you incurred to get to your medical appointments. Also, keep pay stubs and documentation from your employer showing your absences due to your injuries.
Your dog bite injury lawyer may also suggest that you keep a pain journal so that you can record the effects of your injuries, such as pain and suffering, difficulty performing certain tasks or decreased mobility.
Seek Legal Assistance from an Experienced Savannah Attorney
If you were bit by a dog, it is important that you seek help from an experienced dog bite lawyer who can help you pursue the compensation you deserve after this terrifying experience. Our Savannah personal injury attorneys at Roden Law can help you determine the value of your claim by calculating the amount of lost income, medical expenses and other damages you sustained.
We can discuss your legal options during a free case evaluation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you are charged nothing for our services unless we help you recover compensation for your claim.