Steps to Take Immediately after a Dog Bite

Being attacked by someone else’s dog is as terrifying as it is dangerous, and it can leave you at a loss regarding how best to proceed. While no two dog bite incidents are exactly the same, there are steps that every dog bite victim should take to help protect their own health and to help bolster their claim. If someone else’s dog bites and injures you or someone you care about, don’t wait to consult with an experienced Buffalo dog bite attorney.

Always Put Safety First

If you’ve been attacked by a dog, the first order of business has to be your health, which makes seeking immediate medical attention key. Dog bites aren’t clean cuts. Instead, the canine’s immensely strong jaw and sharp teeth tend to tear, gnash, and rip the skin, which leaves a very ugly wound that is slow to heal and is very susceptible to dangerous infection. If the injury is on or near your face, it can be permanently disfiguring and may require a series of plastic surgeries.

All told, dog bites can be very dangerous and should always be taken seriously. Even if you don’t think you were seriously injured, it’s in your best interest to see your doctor – who may put you on a prophylactic antibiotic in response. Further, if you can’t confirm that the dog was up to date with its rabies shots, you may need the rabies vaccine, which amounts to four shots over the course of 2 weeks. 

Make the Call to a Dedicated Dog Bite Attorney

Next up is consulting with an experienced dog bite attorney. Because obtaining the compensation to which you’re entitled is essential to your recovery, you shouldn’t wait to discuss your claim with an attorney – who will ably handle all the following critical tasks:

• Guiding you through the legal process
• Gathering and knowledgeably compiling all the available evidence, including eyewitness testimony, your related medical records and bills, and your doctor’s report regarding your injuries
• Skillfully negotiating with the involved insurance company for a settlement that covers your damages in their entirety
• Being well prepared to address your case in court if the insurance company refuses to negotiate fairly

Avoid the Mistakes that Too Many Claimants Make

You can expect the insurance company that is handling your claim to be on the lookout for anything it can use to damage your claim, and you may be surprised by the sources. Ultimately, the insurance company is good at what it does, which includes twisting neutral information into claim-damaging information. As such, you should keep all the following in mind:

• Don’t provide the insurance company with a statement – you can leave that to your attorney
• Take a social media break while your claim is pending
• Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully
• Take your attorney’s advice to heart

You Need an Experienced Buffalo Dog Bite Attorney on Your Side

The compassionate Buffalo dog bite attorneys at Steve Foley Law Firm are committed to fiercely advocating for your claim’s optimal outcome – in focused support of your fullest recovery. Learn more by contacting us online or calling 716-249-2222 today.