Free Consultation
Dogs are man’s best friend. However, even the most docile dogs will bite under certain circumstances, and behavioral problems in companion dogs make biting even more likely.
If you are bitten by a dog, you’ll need to take a number of steps to protect your health and safety. Below, we cover what you should do immediately following a dog bite, and when you should seek medical attention.
We also discuss liability for dog bites, and how to seek compensation for your injuries should this become necessary.
If you’re attacked or bitten by a dog, the first step is to get to a safe place. Once you’ve gotten to a safe place, immediately clean the wound.
For minor wounds:
For deeper wounds:
If you sustain a severe wound from a dog bite, you’ll need to seek medical attention on the same day, as the puncture wound should be treated by a medical professional.
In the days following, you should seek medical attention if:
Dog bites can spread diseases from dogs to people. About 20% of dog bite wounds become infected with bacteria, and you can also acquire serious systemic diseases.
Dog bites can cause the following diseases:
Depending on where and how hard the dog bit you, a dog bite can also cause serious injuries and complications, including:
Dog bites not only have the potential to cause serious injuries and illnesses; the associated medical bills can quickly add up, as can lost wages. In some cases, you may even be left with permanent disability or disfigurement.
In these cases, the only way to relieve the financial burden on your family is to seek compensation from the dog’s owner through a personal injury lawsuit.
In New York, dog owners can be held liable for injuries that result from negligence on the part of the owner. It may also be possible to hold the owner liable in a premises liability suit.
For example, if a dog owner fails to restrain the dog and it bites someone while running loose, this would be considered negligence. On the other hand, if you’re at a friend’s house and tease your friend’s dog, which then bites you, your friend would not be liable in most cases.
An experienced New York personal injury attorney can advise you as to whether you have grounds to file a claim.
First things first, if you’re bitten by a dog, take immediate action to ensure your health and safety. When it becomes necessary to seek compensation for your injuries, know your rights, and get the compensation you deserve.