Attacked By a Dog? What To Do Next
A responsible dog owner should be able to prevent a dog attack. With proper leashing, supervision and adequate fencing, an aggressive dog can be restrained and an attack prevented. But not all dogs are properly restrained. Dogs get loose, and when they do, they can violently attack, leaving you injured, disfigured and possibly disabled. A dog bite can be very harmful and very dangerous, and if you’re ever bitten, there are several steps you must take in order to protect yourself and safeguard your rights.
According to DogsBite.org:
- About 1,000 Americans every day need emergency treatment for dog bites.
- Nearly 10,000 Americans annually require hospitalization for dog bites.
- Breeds that bite the most include pit bull terriers (their derivatives and ancestors), rottweilers and wolf hybrids.
A dog that bites can be very violent and extremely destructive. Dog-bite victims can suffer painful and life-altering injuries, including:
- Abrasions, cuts and puncture wounds
- Damaged nerves
- Fractured bones
- Infections such as rabies
- Long-term disability
- Scarring
- Deformities
- Death
If you’re ever bitten by a dog, you, as the victim, must seek emergency medical care and quickly preserve any possible legal claims. Future compensation may be critical to your recovery, especially if you suffer an infection, disease or disfigurement.
After a dog attack, you must:
- Find the dog and identify its owner.
- Record witness names and addresses.
- Call the authorities. Have them remove the dog and test it for diseases.
- Photograph and document your injuries.
- See a doctor and obtain medical treatment.
- File a dog bite report with animal control, even if your injury is minor
- Contact your city and request a copy of your local animal control law
- Contact an attorney.
If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, call us at 412-471-4300, or email us. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will fight for the compensation you deserve. We help residents in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Beaver, Erie, Uniontown, Washington and throughout Western Pennsylvania.