Dog bites are harrowing experiences that can happen in an instant and leave a person’s life completely changed. If a person is attacked by a dog and is able to make conscious decisions after the attack, it’s important to follow specific procedures in order to seek compensation after a dangerous dog bite.
If you are a family member of a loved one who has suffered severe consequences in the aftermath of a dog attack, we suggest following our suggestions as well, because your family deserves financial recovery for the pain and suffering the event has brought to your household.
Identify the Dog’s Owner
If you’ve been attacked by a dog, you’re likely going to need to seek compensation to cover the massive medical expenses coming your way.
If you’ve been attacked by the dog of a person you know, then identification is simple. However, if a stranger’s dog attacked you, you or witnesses at the attack should exchange information that include insurance, names, address, and dog vaccination records.
Getting attacked by a wandering dog makes owner identification even more difficult. In these instances, your best bet is to gather as much information as possible about the dog. If animal control is able to track them down and catch them, if they are microchipped, their owners should be registered in a local identification system.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Dog bites can be events that result in grueling and sometimes deadly injuries. Even if you only had a “minor” attack, an unvaccinated or sick dog has the potential to introduce dangerous bacteria into your body. Injuries and bacteria can have a near immediate effect on your health and livelihood. So, medical attention is something you need to seek as soon as possible.
Document Your Injuries
Before medical personnel arrive on the scene, make sure that you’ve documented the extent of your injuries and taken down any eye witness accounts.
When documenting the event, take video and photos of:
- The dog in question (if possible)
- The location of the attack
- Any cuts and bruises suffered in the attack
- Any bloody clothing or other visible proof of the brutality of the attack
File a Report With Animal Control
You’ll want to file a police report and animal control report as soon as possible after your attack. Not only does filing a report help get the attacking dog off of the streets, but it also serves as strong evidence during your battle for compensation from third parties and insurance companies.
Explore Your Options With a Dog Bite Personal Injury Lawyer
Finally, take measures to get in touch with a personal injury lawyer that specializes in dog bites. In fact, don’t even file an insurance claim until you’ve hired a personal injury lawyer that can help you through the process.
At Genthe Law Firm, we take dog bites seriously and are prepared to build your case’s strength to the point where no party could rightfully settle for less than the compensation you deserve.
Gain the Compensation You Deserve With Genthe Law Firm
If you or a loved one were recently the victim of a dog attack in Dallas or Fort Worth, it’s essential to seek help from a personal injury lawyer right away.
The dog bite attorneys of Genthe Law Firm can help you and your family get through this horrific incident and recover necessary compensation to help pay for hospital bills, funeral expenses, and general pain and suffering.
Contact us today to learn more about our Genthe Guarantee that promises you won’t pay a dime until we recover. We’re ready to schedule your free consultation and show you how we can be your light at the end of the tunnel.