What You Need to do After a Dog Bite

The Law Offices of d’Oliveira & Associates, fully understand that getting bitten by a dog is scary and stressful. Your entire view of your personal safety within the world changes after you’re bitten by a dog, and you’ll never look at a dog the same again. We are providing this information, “What You Need to do After a Dog Bite,” to help you in the unfortunate event that you or a loved one is bitten by a dog.

What to do after a dog bite

1. Identify the animal. If the animal is identified, it can be tested for rabies. If not, you may have to submit to treatment for rabies which is extremely painful.  Your emergency room physician will let you know if treatment is necessary.
2. Seek medical attention (you won’t be alone as 1,000 Americans seek treatment for dog bites every day).
3. If bitten in the face, insist on being evaluated by a plastic surgeon.
4. Ask dog owner for his or her name, address, and phone number.
5. Ask the dog owner for his or her insurance company contact information.
6. Ask for dog license information.
7. Get names, addresses, and phone numbers of potential witnesses.
8. Take photos of wounds, bruises, and bloodied clothing; keep tattered clothing.
9. Call a dog bite attorney.

What NOT to do after a dog bite

1. Do NOT discuss money at all with anyone other than your lawyer.
2. Do NOT write a memo or letter.
3. Do NOT let anyone tape record you.
4. Do NOT allow yourself to be photographed by others.
5. Do NOT discuss who is at fault.
6. Do NOT accept money.
7. Do NOT talk to an insurance adjuster.
8. Do NOT sign anything other than consent for medical care.

You can receive compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Future cosmetic surgery

Get help as soon as possible

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it is imperative that you seek legal help as soon as possible. Evidence must be preserved. Often memories fade and physical evidence is lost. As soon as you call our law offices, we will get to work, investigating your case and preserving evidence. In addition, each state has a mandated time limit for filing dog bite law claims. If your case isn’t filed by the deadline, known as the “statute of limitations,” you will not be permitted to file it. This means that you will never recover financial compensation for your losses.

Where to get help

What do you do if you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite? Call the Law Offices of d’Oliveira & Associates now. Our lawyers represent families just like yours. We will work aggressively to assert your rights and get you the compensation you and your family need and deserve. Email us or call now for FREE case evaluation. For your convenience, our telephones are answered 24 hours a day and 7 days a week (1-800-992-6878).