A dog bite can happen unexpectedly, even from a seemingly kind and gentle animal. A breezy stroll down the Tampa Riverwalk can take an unlucky turn with little notice when a dog gets away from its owner, and you become its target. Generally, the dog owner is to blame, and you should know what to do if this unfortunate event happens to you. This guide will inform you of best practices to help you navigate the process.
Take Care of Your Injuries and Call the Authorities
The first action you should take after you suffer a dog bite is to assess the injury and call the authorities, who will assist you if you need medical attention. If you need immediate help, do not hesitate to call out to anyone nearby. A canine bite can be severe, and your compromised health will require a thorough examination. Otherwise, the arrival of police and animal control will provide the opportunity to identify the animal who bit you and find out who the owner is to determine any action and exchange insurance details. Try to get as much information from the dog’s owner as possible.
Document the Incident
Once you have exchanged information, and if you have your smartphone handy, take some photographs of your bite, the dog, the vicinity and anything that may be helpful for insurance and a personal injury attorney. Hiring a Tampa personal injury litigation attorney will help you evaluate your insurance claim before you pursue it. They will help ensure you have a solid case to protect you from having to pay any medical or other expenses concerning the bite. You will have a favorable result when establishing your claim.
Keep All Receipts
You will need to keep track of any acquired documents concerning your dog bite. Organize the information by maintaining a list of all the medical treatments you undergo. Your hospital bills, medications, time missed from work, and any mobility issues you suffer will all be valuable items to keep for your records. Keep a journal if you have other expenses related to your injury. These items will assist your litigation law firm litigation attorneys in confirming your case’s validity.
Follow Up With Your Doctor
After your initial contact with a doctor, you must follow up on the progression of any injuries. New complications you sustain can present themselves weeks after the bite. A dog bite can have immense force, capable of inflicting mighty tears in muscles and crushed or bruised bones under your skin. After your doctor removes your bandages and stitches, there may be evidence of damage under the point of contact that will need further evaluation. Following up with your doctor will ensure that your injuries heal properly.
Evaluate Long Term Effects
A dog bite is undoubtedly a scary experience as it occurs, but its effect on your mental health can be lasting. It can cause complications like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is common for people to become afraid of all dogs after an attack. These emotional and mental impacts can affect your ability to work, and you may suffer a loss in income. These are a few examples of the damages litigation attorneys will help you sort out and recover.
Learn How to Avoid a Bite
After you have been in an accident involving someone’s dog, you’ll want to follow steps to prevent it from happening again. Preparation will help your recovery from any fears you may have. Dogs can be unpredictable, and even a well-behaved dog can bite. If a dog is unfamiliar, use your body language to display confidence, keep a safe distance and minimize loud noises and sudden movements. Always ask permission from a dog owner before you approach, and let the animal see and smell you before petting the animal.
There are many reasons a dog bite can occur, and some are unavoidable. Whether it is from owner negligence, improper training or inadequate supervision, it is best to be aware of your surroundings when there are potential encounters. The warm and beautiful Tampa weather means that many people are out enjoying their surroundings, walking and playing with their dogs. This guide will help you understand vital steps to remember if you are in an unfortunate dog bite accident.
