How to Handle a Dog Attack

Many injury lawyers will tell you that when an accident doesn't occur on the road it is most likely to occur in your home or neighborhood. What many people don't know is that often these accidents involve people's pets. Dog bites are one of the most common injuries today.



Despite the regularity of these injuries, many people do not know how to properly handle them, both with the authorities and insurance companies. If you are unlucky enough to have yourself or a loved one attacked by a dog, you should know the steps that should be taken in order to protect your future. Even if it just seems like a minor wound, it is important that you document your injuries. Here are some things you should do immediately after a dog attack:



1)Get Information



The first thing you need to do is to get the name and contact information (address, email, phone number, etc) of the dog owners. You should insist on getting as much of their insurance information as possible, including their company and policy number. If they are unsure inform them that pets are usually covered on home owner's insurance. If there are witnesses it would also be wise to obtain their information.



If the dog is a stray or not with its owner at the time of the attack note the type of breed, any distinctive markings on the dog, and the attack location. If the dog runs off, do not under any circumstance chase it.



2)Don't Apologize



This might seem like the natural response, but DO NOT apologize. If you do and decide to follow through with an injury claim it can be used against you. Remember, the dog bit you, not the other way around. Any apology you give might be turned against you down the road.



3)Seek Medical Attention



Although this is listed third, if you are seriously injured this needs to be the first thing you do. Keep in mind that emergency personnel may not gather as many details about the situation as you might. Also, the more you can tell them about the circumstances and actions surrounding the incident the better they can treat you. Afterwards be sure to get copies of your medical records. You will need to know which treatments were administered and by whom.



4)Call the Police



It's important that you file a police report. If you're attacked by an animal, insist on it. If you go to the ER they may contact the authorities but don't count on it. After you have received medical treatment you must personally follow through to make sure the attack was reported properly.



5)Take Pictures



Along with keeping copies of your medical records it is also wise to photograph your injuries. Yes, it sounds pretty gross but they'll be important to have if you decide to proceed with your case.



6)QUIETLY determine if you have a case



Do not talk to anyone other than an injury lawyer about the incident while you are determining whether or not you have a case. This especially includes insurance adjusters and anyone who has any relation to the dog owners. Also, declaring that you're going to press charges at the scene is a terrible idea. Be discreet, courteous, and polite while dealing with your dog attack wounds.





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James Brown is a Missouri injury lawyer based in St. Louis. You need to know the most common mistakes car accident victims make when talking to the insurance adjuster that ruin their accident claims. You can request a free copy of his Missouri accident guide, "I Survived! The Crash Victims Guide to Surviving the Aftermath" at his website http://www.themissouriinjurylawyer.com or http://www.themissouriinjuryblog.com