The global coronavirus lockdown has led many people to decide to become dog owners for the first time, which is a great thing for many families. Dogs can be amazing pets and not only provide company for people living alone, but also act as a way for families to bond, and because they require daily walks, adds a new incentive to get active. We have talked about the dog are a great way to put the fun back into exercise, and that is now truer than ever before, with many gyms and fitness classes still being closed.
One of the best health benefits that dogs bring us is that daily walk. Walking everyday is excellent for our health, as it improves our fitness, helps reduce weight, and also exposes us to fresh air and sunshine, all of which is vital for maintaining a healthy immune system – you can read all the health benefits of walking here.
However, one aspect of dog ownership that many people do not consider is the risks of bites. Although it is actually very rare for a dog to bite anybody, it can happen if a dog is scared or feels threatened, especially with dogs that have not been treated well or have not been trained properly. In fact, one dog bite lawyer in Denver reports that they see reports of hundreds of dog bites every year. And even the friendliest of dogs can leave a nasty bite from time to time, so it’s important to know the steps to take after receiving a dog bite.
Here are five important steps to take after a dog bite.
Seek medical attention
The first step you should take after receiving a dog bite should always be to seek medical attention for the injury. An open wound can lead to infection, and long-term problems if left untreated. You will likely be unaware of the dog’s vaccination history, so there is an additional risk associated with disease and infection.
If the bite is bleeding badly, use something to stop the bleeding like a towel or jacket. If the bite is red, swollen, warm, or tender to the touch, immediately contact a doctor.
Get the owner’s information
The next step involves gathering information from the owner of the dog. This is necessary for when you file a report and make a claim for your injury. Take the owner’s name, address, contact number, and email. You should do the same for any eye witnesses in case they need to make a statement to help with your claim in the future.
Call animal control
To prevent further dog bites, contact your local animal control authority to file a report. You will need to fill in an online form, including your personal details, and relevant information about the bite such as photos of the injury, the date, time, place, and how it occurred. There is also a space to add in the dog owner’s information on this form. From here, the animal control agency will open an investigation into the animal to see if it is safe, or if it is a risk to others.
Document the injury
Make sure to document your injury in great detail after a dog bite. A dog bite lawyer will need as much information as possible to help you gain compensation for your injury. If possible, take photos of your injury and write down everything that happened, including as much detail as you can remember. The more detail, the better.
Contact a dog bite lawyer
The final step after a dog bite is to contact a dog bite lawyer. An experienced attorney will be able to work closely with you to make a claim, and will liaise with the insurance company. They will look at your case to work towards getting you compensation for your injury, emotional trauma it may have caused, and any associated loss of earnings.
Although owning a dog has a number of health benefits, you still need to be careful around them. Dogs can get easily agitated or scared, which can cause them to lash out or bite. Remember to take these five steps after a dog bite to ensure your injuries are seen to, and that you get the compensation you deserve for your injury.