Overall, dogs are a source of love, loyalty, and constant affection. In certain instances though, some dogs can and do attack. This leaves the victim to wonder what is the best course of action. Knowing what to do after being bitten by a dog can help save a life.
It is scary and quite overwhelming when you are trying to determine what to do after you or a loved one is bitten by a dog. Serious injuries make matters even worse. Fortunately, there are key steps to take after a dog has bitten you to help improve recovery and ensure you are not burdened with high bills.
Seek Medical Attention
The first step anyone should take is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Call 911 if it is an emergency. If the injury isn’t as severe it is important to visit your primary care doctor or urgent care facility. Whenever a human is bitten by a dog, the likelihood of developing an infection is significantly high. The proper cleaning and treatment will go a long way.
Call the Police and Disease Control
Once you have sought treatment, you need to call the Philadelphia Police Department and file a report. An officer will be dispatched, conduct an investigation, file a report and follow up on any criminal charges.
After meeting with the police, it is just as crucial to call the Division of Disease Control. All you have to do is tell them that you were bitten by a dog. They will then ask further questions about the animal to assess your risk for rabies. If bitten by a dog or family pet that is up to date on shots, the risk of rabies is much lower than if the dog was a stray. If the animal is a stray, prophylactic treatment may be recommended in the form of a series of shots. The Division will also make a report of the attack.
Call Animal Control
Should the dog be at large, contact Animal Care and Control. The agency will not remove an animal from its owner unless instructed to do so by an officer. Usually, a stray or animal at large will be picked up.
When all the above logistics are finished, the victim should always consult with an experienced attorney. The victim may be entitled to compensation for medical bills or other expenses. A skilled attorney will guide you through the legal process and make sure you do not suffer financially due to the attack.
It doesn’t hurt to file a claim or negotiate with the insurance company either. There are plenty of cases that never need to go to court because insurance companies prefer to avoid the expenses associated with it. However, er on the side of caution because insurance companies don’t always offer a fair settlement. Most of the time they intentionally process a claim slowly so the victim misses the deadline for filing. In this case, it is best to have attorney support and discuss the appropriate measures to take in this situation.
Schedule a Personal Injury Consultation Today
Victims need to remember that they do not need to figure out what to do if bitten by a dog on their own. There are professionals who are trained and experienced who can help handle this type of case. In fact, attorneys are accustomed to these cases on a routine basis and guarantee that the victim follows the correct policies and procedures. The ultimate goal an attorney strives to reach is to receive a fair settlement for their client. In order to get started, contact the attorneys at Kwartler Manus. Call our office at 267-457-5570 to schedule a consultation today.