A dog bite can cause serious injuries and expose a person to infection and other health risks. Knowing what to do immediately after an attack can help you protect your health, document what happened and preserve information that may become important if you pursue a legal claim.
The steps you should take can depend on the severity of the injury, whether the dog is known and the circumstances surrounding the attack. The following guide explains what to do after a dog bite and when to seek medical care.
Seek Medical Attention
Dog bites can cause puncture wounds, lacerations, nerve or tendon injuries and infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends seeking medical attention for a serious or deep wound, uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain or loss of function.
You should also talk with a healthcare provider if you do not know whether the dog was vaccinated against rabies or if it has been more than five years since your last tetanus shot. If bleeding cannot be controlled or you feel faint or weak, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
How Should You Clean a Dog Bite?
If a dog bite breaks the skin, thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water as soon as possible. For a minor wound, the CDC recommends applying an antibiotic cream and covering the area with a clean bandage after washing it.
For a deep wound, apply pressure with a clean, dry cloth to control bleeding and seek medical attention promptly. Call 911 or seek emergency care if the bleeding cannot be controlled or you feel faint or weak.
Report the Dog Bite
Report the bite to your local animal control agency or police department. This can be especially important when the dog's owner is unknown, its rabies vaccination status cannot be confirmed or the animal seems sick or erratic.
If the dog's owner is known, try to obtain the owner's contact information and information about the dog's rabies vaccination. Avoid putting yourself at risk by attempting to capture or restrain an unfamiliar dog.
Identify the Owner and Witnesses
If possible, obtain the dog owner's name, contact information and insurance information. You should also collect the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the attack.
Witnesses may be able to describe how the attack occurred, whether the dog was restrained and other circumstances surrounding the incident. If someone has knowledge of previous aggressive behavior involving the same dog, that information may also be relevant to a potential claim.
If an insurance company contacts you, consider speaking with an attorney before providing a recorded statement or agreeing to a settlement.
Document the Attack and Your Injuries
Take pictures or video of your injuries, torn or damaged clothing. If the area is safe, photograph the location where the attack occurred. If possible, document the dog as well, but do not approach the animal just to take a picture.
Continue photographing visible injuries as they heal. Keep copies of medical records, medical bills and other documents related to the incident and your recovery.
Dog Bite Infection Risk
According to the CDC, dog bites can introduce bacteria into a wound and lead to infection, even when the injury does not initially appear severe. Signs of infection can include increasing redness, pain, warmth or swelling around the wound, as well as fever.
A healthcare provider can also evaluate whether additional treatment is needed based on the type of wound, the person's vaccination history and the circumstances of the bite.
Tetanus
Animal bites can pose a tetanus risk because the wound may be contaminated with saliva. A healthcare provider can determine if you need a tetanus vaccination or other treatment based on the wound and your vaccination history.
Rabies
If the dog's rabies vaccination status is unknown, the animal appears sick or behaves unusually, contact a healthcare provider and local animal-control authorities. They can help determine whether rabies treatment is necessary. Urgent medical evaluation is important after a potential rabies exposure.
What Are the Signs of a Dog Bite Infection?
A dog bite wound may be infected if it becomes increasingly:
- Red
- Painful
- Warm
- Swollen
Fever can also occur with an infected wound. Seek medical attention if you develop signs of infection or if symptoms worsen after a dog bite.
When Should You Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Dog bite claims can involve questions about the animal's history, the owner's knowledge, local ordinances, insurance coverage and the circumstances surrounding the attack. An attorney can investigate what happened, evaluate potential liability and help determine what compensation may be available based on the evidence.
Texas dog bite cases can involve different legal theories depending on the circumstances, so an attorney can also help determine which Texas dog bite laws may apply to a particular claim. Depending on the circumstances, compensation in a dog bite claim may include losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care or reconstructive treatment
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Physical pain
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement or physical impairment
The damages available in a particular case depend on the nature of the injuries, liability and other evidence.
Speak to a Dog Bite Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured in a dog attack, The Carlson Law Firm can help you understand your legal options. Our attorneys can investigate the circumstances of the attack, evaluate potential liability and help determine what compensation may be available.
Contact a dog bite attorney at The Carlson Law Firm for a free consultation to understand your legal options.
