JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

For many, dogs provide a source of love and loyalty and constant affection. However, sadly, some dogs can and do attack, leaving the victims to wonder “what’s next”? Knowing what to do after a dog attack happens may help save your life as well as protect your pocketbook. The following steps are meant to help provide a guide for what to do next after a Philadelphia dog attack.

Seek Medical Care

After you have been bit by a dog, be sure to get medical treatment immediately. In addition to the risk of infection, if you are not able to identify the dog or its owner, you may have to undergo a series of rabies shots, which can be expensive and painful.

Identify the Dog and Owner

After you have been bitten, it may be difficult or impossible to know who the dog’s owner is. In the event you are not sure who the owner is, try to take steps to identify it after you have been treated, or have a family member or friend try to identify it and its owner. If you know the dog’s owner, be sure to confirm the dog has had all of its shots and boosters to protect against disease.

File a ‘Bite Report’

After you have received medical treatment, file a bite report with your local animal control or Sheriff’s department. This report will legally document that you were attacked and can also keep track of dogs that attack multiple times.

Document Injuries and Gather Information

While it may be difficult to look at, photograph your injuries immediately. Work with your doctor or nurse to have them advise the best way to unwrap any gauze or dressings in order to properly document the injuries as close to the accident time as possible. Also be sure to keep and photograph any torn or bloody clothing. In addition to this photographic evidence, collect as much information about the event as possible, including the name and address of the dog’s owner, as well as their dog license information and other sustentative information.

Contact an Attorney

While it may sound extreme, contacting an attorney immediately will help you ensure that all your medical bills and treatments are paid for, as well as lost wages and pain and suffering. Even if you were bit by a friend’s dog, seeking out an attorney will only help ensure that your friend’s insurance company pays out the maximum compensation that you are due.

If you have been attacked by a dog in Philadelphia, call Mednick, Mezyk & Kredo today. Our experienced Philadelphia dog bite attorneys will help you receive compensation needed to cover your medical bills, rehabilitation and ongoing medical expenses. Call us today at 888-807-WORK (9675) for a free consultation.