What to do after a dog bite
Read though our guide on the immediate and long-term steps that we recommend taking following a dog bite. This information should not be taken as official legal advice, but these are guidelines that we’ve assembled based on the past experience of our clients.
- Identify owner of the dog that bit you
Immediately identify the human who had custody of the dog when it bit you. Make a written list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of any human associated with the dog. If you’re unable to identify the owner of the animal and/or the owner is not able to verify the status of the dog’s vaccinations you may be legally required to undergo a series of rabies vaccinations which can be extremely expensive (up to $10,000 per individual in some cases) - Get experienced medical care
If the dog bite is severe to the point that you’re losing blood or you feel like you won’t be able to safely make it home under your own power, be sure to contact first responders (9-1-1) for immediate medical attention. If a friend or family member is available, have them take you to emergency care. Always seek professional medical treatment following a dog bite because the risk of infection from a dog bite is much too high to be ignored. - File a report with authorities
After you’ve been treated by a medical professionalm file a dog bite report with the proper city or county authorities. Taking this action will produce the necessary legal documents for the filing of any case if a law suite is necessary. Without this paper trail of legal documents, authorities cannot enforce effectively. - Photograph your injuries
Take photographs (preferably digital) of your injuries.Confer with a doctor or nurse as needed if taking such photos will require the opening of any bandages. They will tell you a safe manner in which to do so. It is also recommended that you photograph all of your wounds, including bruises, as well as all torn, stained, or otherwise damanged clothing and the location of the attack. - Contact an attorney
Contact a dog bite attorney right away. The legal issues surrounding dog bites are always complex and difficult to navigate through. An experienced Dog Bite Injury Attorney will look out for your best interest from this point forward. - Keep a journal
If you plan to seek compensation for your injury it can be very helpful start a journal as soon as you can. Spend just a few minutes each day recording your thoughts for the few first weeks after the dog bite. Animal attack claims frequently take over a year to arrive at completion. Anticipate keeping this journal on a weekly basis over the course of this time and use it to keep track of how your feeling (both physically and emotionally), and keep notes on any and all financial impact the dog bite has had on your life.
If you have suffered a dog bite in Tampa or St. Petersburg, contact the dog bit injury attorneys at Shocklee Paolino to learn how they can help you receive compensation for your suffering.