Most people don’t assume that a dog will bite them but attacks are known to occur at home or in public settings. For many people, it can be difficult to know how to recover from the incident or move on. When you want to take the right steps after a dog bite occurs, there are a few important tips to follow.
Contact Animal Control
If a stray dog bites you, you’ll need to contact Animal Control immediately to ensure that the dog is captured and is not a threat to other children or adults in the local area. The animal may have rabies if it behaves strangely or acts partially paralyzed. If you know the owner of the dog, contact a local vet to determine if the pet has had its rabies shot and if you need one as well.
Hire Legal Assistance
It’s important to obtain help from a legal professional to learn your rights and obtain compensation for the emotional trauma and damages. Each state differs on what you’re entitled to, making it necessary to seek financial compensation with a lawyer that specializes in dog bites like those at Boling Rice, LLC., a group of Atlanta dog bite attorneys. You can hold the owner responsible and reduce the risk of having the dog attack another person.
Photograph the Wounds
Make it a point to photograph your wounds before they are treated to have proof of the injuries. You’ll need to visit an emergency room immediately to have the wound properly cleaned and treated. You’ll want to get plastic surgery if you are bitten on the face to receive better treatment than emergency room workers who may not stitch up the wound cleanly. Your doctor will determine if you’ll need a rabies shot.
Rest
Suffering from a dog bite can prove to be traumatic due to the emotional and physical pain that is involved. Allow your body to rest and follow the directions from your primary physician on how to care for your injury to reduce the risk of infections. Find a strong support group of family members and friends who can help you to process the incident and work through your emotions. Don’t be afraid to talk to a professional to recover and avoid feeling traumatized by the event.
When you want to protect yourself and recover from a dog bite, you’ll need to follow the right steps. By remaining proactive, you can heal properly and receive the compensation that you deserve from the party that is responsible.