what to do if you are bitten by a dog attorney

If you’re bitten by a dog it’s vital that you respond in the right way. Seek out legal representation, document the issue, talk with the owner and the local authorities, and do your best to receive the compensation that you deserve to cover your medical costs of the whole ordeal.

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What should I do if a dog bites me?

Feb 26, 2015 · If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you should contact the dog bite attorneys at Bernstein & Maryanoff in Miami immediately. Call Now for a Free Consultation 1 (800) 429-4529 No Fees Unless We Win

When should I seek medical attention for a dog bite wound?

Mar 20, 2018 · With a dog bite taking place every 75 seconds in the United States, knowing what to do in the moments immediately following an attack can make the aftermath of a very scary situation a little less stressful. We’ve created a step-by-step guide so you’ll know what to do if you’re bitten by a dog. 1.Seek medical attention immediately.

How do you treat an open wound on a dog?

DOCUMENTATION OF THE DOG BITE. Before treatment, be sure to take pictures of the wound and the location of where the bite occurred. This is important because a lot will be going on, and your memory may not serve you well. Additionally, this documentation will assist the police or judge in the future.

Is it worth suing for dog bite?

If the dog bite is severe, you have probably incurred significant damages including medical bills, lost wages, and possibly even permanent scarring. In these cases, it's usually worth pursuing legal action. If the bite was minor, you still might be able to recover compensation.

Can you get money if a dog bites you?

California Dog Bite Law Where many states have caps on punitive damages and compensatory damages on dog bites, California does not. That means that you could get more than the average settlement for a dog bite claim in a personal injury lawsuit or claim.

What should you do if you get bit by a dog?

If a dog bites you, take these steps right away:Wash the wound. ... Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth.Apply over-the counter antibiotic cream if you have it.Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage.Keep the wound bandaged and see your doctor.Change the bandage several times a day once your doctor has examined the wound.More items...•Feb 7, 2020

What to do if your dog bites you and breaks the skin?

See your provider within 24 hours for any bite that breaks the skin. Call your provider or go to the emergency room if: There is swelling, redness, or pus draining from the wound. The bite is on the head, face, neck, hands, or feet.Mar 28, 2020

How much can I sue for a dog bite?

If the injury sustained from the dog bite is severe and affects the general quality of life of the victim, then they may be able to earn significantly more. Likewise, minor cases may settle for $10,000 in a small claims court.Aug 3, 2021

What is a Level 4 dog bite?

Level 4: One-four deep punctures from a single bite and lacerations or bruising from the dog holding on or shaking. Level 5: Multiple bite incident with more than 2 Level 4 bites. Level 6: Victim death.

What happens if a vaccinated dog bites you?

Do you have to take vaccination against rabies if a vaccinated dog bites you? No, not if the dog is properly vaccinated against rabies and the efficacy of the vaccine is confirmed by laboratory evidence. Otherwise an appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be given.

How long after a dog bite does infection set in?

After being bitten, most people who become ill will show symptoms within 3 to 5 days, but this can range anywhere from 1 to 14 days. Most Capnocytophaga infections usually occur with dog or cat bites. But some people who develop a Capnocytophaga infection have not been bitten.

What are the do's and don'ts after dog bite?

Rinse the wound with water and soap. 3. A person with a dog bite will need to receive anti-rabies vaccine on 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28th day of dog bite. If he is unable to find out the status of the dog, he may need to receive a vaccine on 60th and 90th day after the dog bite.Nov 25, 2016

Should I worry about a small dog bite?

When to see a doctor People should seek emergency medical attention for a dog bite if they have: uncontrollable bleeding from the wound. a fever. a red, swollen, or painful wound.

How do you know if a dog bite is serious?

Signs that a Dog Bite Is SeriousExtreme pain or pain that worsens over time.Uncontrollable bleeding.Deep lacerations or puncture wounds.Broken bones or internal injuries.Loss of function or muscle weakness.Signs of infection including redness, red streaks, tenderness, warmth, pus, or oozing fluid from the wound.More items...

Should I get a tetanus shot after a dog bite?

Dog bites can cause serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. While deep wounds can cause severe bleeding, they also create a significant pathway for infection. Thus, medical professionals may recommend receiving a tetanus shot following a dog attack.Oct 29, 2020

How many people in Georgia get bitten by dogs?

Dog bites are an all-too-common cause of injury in Georgia, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta reporting more than 4.7 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs annually. More than 800,000 dog bites require medical attention and 400,000 necessitate emergency room treatment. About half of all dog bite victims are children between the ages of 5 and 9. They and the elderly are especially vulnerable to dog bites and more likely to suffer serious injury in these encounters.

Who is Stephen Apolinsky?

Stephen D. Apolinsky is a Personal Injury Attorney who specializes in representing individuals and families concerning wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. Stephen is licensed to practice in Georgia, Alabama, and the District of Columbia. With over 33 years of experience representing personal injury victims, Stephen has successfully tried over 80 cases to verdict before judges or juries, and has negotiated over 300 cases to out-of-court settlements. Stephen has been recognized as a Georgia Super Lawyer, and as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association.

Can you get compensation for a dog bite?

Most dog bite injury victims aren’t compensated for their injuries – but only because most fail to take proper legal action. An experienced dog bite attorney in Atlanta can help you weigh your legal options and determine how best to proceed.

What to do when you have something in your hand?

Pretend that you were picking something up from the ground and throw it far away. Distracting the dog might give you the necessary time to escape.

How to stop a dog from bleeding from a wound?

Even the smallest wound may be an open door for infection. Use water to wash the wound and a bandage to stop the bleeding. See a doctor even if you don’t think you should. The dog might be rabid, so a series of shots might be required.

Can dogs sense fear?

Many people believe that dogs can sense fear. Well, it’s not that they sense fear, it’s just that they become more confident when they see that their prey is intimidated. So try to stay calm. If the dog sees that it can’t scare you, it might think you’re a dangerous person to mess with.

What to do if a dog bites you?

If the dog starts biting you, you’ll have to do all it takes to protect yourself. Try to hit the dog and the nose and the throat or the back of the head. A good smack my give you the time to escape.

Can dogs outrun people?

Dog’s can outrun people. Accept this fact and don’t try to run away. Secondly, running will provoke the dog’s instinct to chase, so you might escalate the problem by attempting to run.

Can you make a dog aggressive?

Direct eye contact may make the dog more aggressive. It may be a reason for an attack. Your best course of action is to keep the dog in sight, but avoid direct eye contact. This will signal to the dog that you are not dangerous and it can let you go unharmed.

What are the damages for a dog bite?

Dog bite victims may seek compensation for the following: 1 Pain and suffering 2 Past and future medical expenses 3 Cost of rehabilitation or reconstructive surgery 4 Lost income and diminished earning capacity 5 Other losses related to the injury

What to do if you have been bitten by a dog?

Instead, contact animal control right away so they can attempt to capture the dog. Immediately report the incident to the police and obtain a copy of the police report.

Do you need stitches for a dog bite?

You want to have a medical professional examine the dog bite right away to rule out infection and to determine if stitches are needed. Whether the dog bite is big or small, you run the risk of infection even if you don’t think you will require stitches. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), out of the 4.5 million dog bites that occur in the United States annually, 900,000 of those bites become infected.

Can insurance companies give low ball settlements?

It is well known that insurance companies are trained to give low ball settlement offers that can come across as offensive to someone who has lost so much not only financially, but physically and mentally as well. You will want to contact a Dog Bite Attorney who has vast experience handling these type of cases to be able to navigate city, state and federal dog bite laws and recover the maximum amount of compensation on your behalf.

Can a dog bite cause infection?

As bacteria multiply, the body’s immune response causes common symptoms of infection including swelling and inflammation . Dog bite infections are very serious and can be fatal if left untreated.

Why is it important to take pictures of a bite?

This is important because a lot will be going on, and your memory may not serve you well. Additionally, this documentation will assist the police or judge in the future.

How many dog bites are there in the US?

There are approximately 78 million dogs in the U.S. Of those dogs, there is a reported 4.5 million dog bites (19%). Of those cases, a total of $530,000,000 were filed as claims. If you are wondering what to do after a dog bite, enjoy this brief 4 step plan explaining.

How long do you have to wait to get a dog bite in California?

In fact, a large number of dog bite cases end up getting a substantial amount of compensation. However, California law states that you have only two years from the exact date of the dog bite to do so. Do not delay the process of contacting an attorney to help you.