Are You the Victim of a Dog Bite Injury?
Not only can a dog bite injury cause serious, physical pain, but unfortunately, it can also cause serious emotional trauma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 4.5 million dog bites every year. Close to 850,000 of these incidents actually require some form of medical attention or even hospitalization for dog bite injuries. It’s also important to contact a dog bite attorney for proper legal advice.
There are many things that one should immediately do after being bitten by a dog. Gathering information on the situation is something that is very important at the time and, potentially, if a claim is filed, could prove to be vital in a dog bite lawsuit. What kind of a dog bit you, who is the dog’s owner, and where they live, are just a few pieces of important information. If at all possible, try to find out if the dog has a prior history of vicious behavior or dangerous propensity. If the dog has been labeled as dangerous, this could help you receive compensation for the injuries suffered. Also, take pictures of the dog bite injury. Even if the injury seems minor, it is always a good precaution to have evidence of the injury, just in case it turns into something more serious than originally believed.
Seeking medical attention is also vital. Many dog bites can actually lead to severe infections. If the dog is a stray, there is always the risk of rabies, which would require a series of shots.
Lastly, you should file a report with your local animal control. Not only does this alert the proper authorities that there is a potentially dangerous animal running around, but this provides some legal documentation of the bite and any particular injuries that were suffered. Any form of documentation with the proper authorities will always help strengthen your case. Receiving some compensation for a dog bite can be necessary. Some form of injuries will require plastic surgery, and taking the necessary steps could help offset some of the costs involved with plastic surgery.
Donaldson & Weston offer assistance with dog bite lawsuits so if you are a victim, contact us today for a free consultation.
John Pape is the Managing Partner at Weston & Pape and has more than 30 years of experience representing injured clients across Florida. A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, he has devoted his entire career to personal injury cases, including motor-vehicle accidents, wrongful death, and nursing-home neglect. Recognized by Verdict7, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, and Premier Lawyers of America, John is known for his thorough preparation and commitment to achieving meaningful results for his clients.
