Injured By A Dog: 8 Helpful Things To Do Now
Have you been injured or knocked down by a dog? If so, this article will provide information on how to proceed to successfully hold the dog owner liable for the damages that you have suffered.
Seek Medical Attention
After being knocked down or bitten by a dog, you should seek medical attention immediately. Even if the wound seems insignificant, harmful organisms in canine mouths can lead to infection and become a serious condition very quickly. The emergency room physician who initially rendered treatment to you may render an expert medical opinion or conclusion at the time of trial.
Identify the Dog and Its Owner
If possible, you should identify the owner or keeper of the dog in Massachusetts, and other jurisdictions, because as they may be held liable for your damages. This information must be shared with your lawyer to put the dog owner/keeper on notice of your claim. Obtain the name and address of all witnesses who observed what happened and ask if they know the owner of the dog and whether the dog has been involved in a similar incident. In the case of a roaming dog, contact your local animal control agency.
Report the Incident
By reporting the incident to your local animal control agency, police department, or health department, you can document the incident and help to prevent future injuries. These entities investigate, follow up, and may quarantine the dog to determine whether the animal is up to date on all vaccines, including a rabies shot.
Take Photos of Your Injuries
Take pictures of your wounds at your earliest opportunity, and regularly thereafter. These images can be used as evidence after your attorney has commenced a civil action or lawsuit. Ensure that you take shots from various angles and through different phases of the healing procedure.
Gather Information
Obtain all of the essential details, when, where and how the incident occurred. Identify the owner /keeper of the dog and any witnesses. Contact information, including name, address and phone number will enable the successful prosecution of your claim.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured by a dog, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney will explain your rights and the litigation process to you. Your damages may include medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earnings capacity, physical pain and mental suffering, and disfiguring scarring.
Follow Up on Your Medical Treatment
Be sure to adhere to the instructions of your medical care providers concerning future medical treatment. This includes referrals to specialists, physical therapists, as well as taking prescribed medications and changing dressings.
Conclusion
If you have been injured or knocked down by a dog, you should do the following:
Seek medical attention
Identify the owner or keeper of the dog
Identify any witnesses
Photograph your injuries
Hire a lawyer
Attorney Steven T. Snow PC
Steven T. Snow worked his way through law school as a retail stockbroker with Merrill Lynch. After earning his law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1988, Attorney Snow worked for a Boston law firm that represented insurance companies. This experience provided him with an understanding of exactly how insurance companies value personal injury claims, and how they prepare for trial. He uses this knowledge to anticipate and counter his opponent’s defense strategies ensuring his clients obtain a judgment on their behalf. Attorney Snow bodily injuries and wrongful death claims through mediation and arbitration and trial.
Regardless of the type of injury you may have sustained, or the obstacles you may be facing, Attorney Steven T. Snow has the experience and skills to secure the best possible results in your case.
