If you or someone else is attacked by a dog, you have the legal right to defend yourself or that person. Nearly every state’s laws authorize bystanders to take whatever action is necessary to stop the attack, but it is very rare to see a sustained attack. In most cases, dog owners can be held liable for injuries. In this guide, you will learn what steps to take after a dog attack has occurred.
First Steps
After a dog bite has happened, take these steps immediately:
- Get names and contact information for the dog owner. Even if you don’t plan to make a claim, get the name and address of the dog owner. Some injuries don’t manifest themselves until well after the danger has passed.
- Get names and contact information for any witnesses to the attack. Witness accounts are very useful if you need to corroborate your version of the events surrounding the dog bite. If you and the owner of the dog disagree, or you don’t know who owns the dog, a witness’ testimony can be the deciding factor.
- If you need to, seek medical help. If your injuries are serious enough to require medical assistance, you should seek it right away. Be sure to keep detailed records of your medical procedures and expenses, and save copies of your medical bills. Your chances of reimbursement are much lower if you cannot document what you’ve done and how much you’ve paid.
- Report the dog bite to your local animal control office. This step is particularly important if the dog that attacked you wasn’t licensed, or if you don’t know who the owner is. County and/or city authorities will try to locate and pick up the dog to quarantine it. Many states and some cities require that a dog be quarantined after a bite for up to 20 days, to determine if the dog is rabid. If the offending animal has a current rabies vaccination, quarantine may not be necessary.
Dog bites can be frightening experiences, and the effects can last for a long time afterward. If you Meet with a Dog Bite Attorney In Milwaukee, you can more easily get the assistance and monetary recovery needed to get back to normal. Visit website to hire attorney.
