Were You Bitten by A Dog and Injured?
In this unpredictable world we live in, all types of injuries can happen.
If you are bitten by a dog seek medical help immediately and contact Richard Harris Law Firm.
Getting injured by a dog bite happens more than you may think.
Dog bites can do serious harm.
A bite can be extremely painful, and the damage permanent.
If you were injured by a dog bite, you have the right to seek damages for your losses.
You may be able to receive compensation if you can prove that there was negligence.
The dog owner, or person responsible for it, may be held liable. A dog bite claim on your own can be complicated.
Hiring a dog bite injury attorney that can represent you in these types of legal claims is helpful.
It is important that you know what to do after a dog bite incident. Richard Harris has worked on personal injury cases in Nevada since 1980.
Having an attorney on your side will increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Things to Know If a Dog Bites You
Dog bites can happen in many ways.
You might be on a jog or walk, and an unknown dog attacks you.
Whatever the case may be, there are some important things that you should do. Infection is a major cause for concern.
Bleeding is also a serious danger, as are many other injuries.
Seeking medical attention is critical to stabilizing the injury and decreasing the chance of infection.
Getting to a doctor immediately is important. The longer that you wait, the more the chance that complications will increase.
This is especially true if you have a compromised immune system, diabetes, or other health issues.
Here are some steps that should be done right away after a dog bite.
Wash the Wound: Clean the bite area with soap and water. Run warm water over the area for approximately 10 minutes. This will help in reducing the risk of infection occurring.
Slow the Bleeding: Use a clean cloth on the bite cut. This will help to eventually stop the bleeding. If the cut is deep, keep pressure on it and call 911. Get to a doctor immediately.
Antibiotic Cream: If this is available to you, it can help to reduce the risk of infection. Apply it to the bite as prescribed.
Wrap the Cut: Put a sterile bandage over it that covers the wound. This will allow the healing process to begin.
Change the Bandage: A doctor will be able to look at your injury and make a recommendation on this. It may be recommended that you do this several times a day at first.
Keep a Close Watch: Look for any signs of infection. Symptoms could include swelling, pain, redness, and fever. Infections, if left untreated, can be fatal in severe cases.
Doctors will want to know more about the incident. This will include any information on the dog.
Medical staff will clean the wound again and prescribe medication for the injury.
This will often be a combination of antibiotics and ointment.
This will be helpful in reducing the risk for an infection.
If you are not up to date on receiving a tetanus shot, it could be recommended that you get one.
If the wound is more serious, stitches may be needed. Wounds can leave scarring, and surgery may be needed in some cases.
Infection Risks from Dog Bite Bacteria
Don’t underestimate the potential health risks after being bitten by a dog.
Half of all dog bites introduce bacteria.
This can cause serious harm and have long-lasting effects.
Bacteria like staphylococcus and streptococcus are just a couple of these dangerous ones.
An unvaccinated dog can transfer bacteria in a bite. It will be important to get all the information possible on the dog that bit you.
Filing a Dog Bite Lawsuit
You have every right to file a claim if you were bitten by a dog.
The owner, person, or party responsible for the dog can be held liable if there were damages caused from the dog bite.
Seek Medical Attention: Remember that your well-being is always the number one priority. After any injury, including a dog bite, get immediate medical attention and treatment. The sooner, the better.
Gather Evidence: The phone can be a valuable asset in these situations. Take pictures and videos of the location and scene of the accident. If the dog is still there, make sure to get pictures of it as well. Take pictures of the bite injury.
Witnesses Information: If there were witnesses that saw the incident, get their contact information. Name, phone, email, and any other information you can get. You will most likely need to contact them later. Try to get a written statement. Witnesses can be helpful when filing a claim.
Report the Incident: It can be very helpful to have an official record of the incident. Notify the animal control agency in your area. This will create a record of proof that the dog bite happened. You can also contact the local police department and file an incident report.
Dog Owner Identity: Track down the owner of the dog. Find out if they have rental or homeowners insurance. This might be able to cover the damages. They will also be able to tell you whether the dog is updated on their shots and inoculations. They should be able to provide paperwork that will show this information if they do.
Hire an Attorney: It is recommended that you hire a top personal injury lawyer in Nevada that specializes in dog bite injury cases. An attorney can help to guide you through the legal process of the claim. This will give you an understanding of your rights and how to protect them. This way you can make the best decision on what to do next.
File a Lawsuit: This will take proof that the incident happened. You will need documentation and evidence that show that a negligent act occurred. If the dog owner has insurance, you can file it with their insurance company. Once we take a look at all the facts and details of the case, we will then provide you with your best options for moving forward.
Dog Bites Can Be Costly
It is hard to believe that there are so many dog bite injuries every year in the US.
Recent numbers reported by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that there were 4.5 million dog bites a year.
Although many of these injuries may be minor, about 800,000 of them required medical attention.
That’s about 18% of those dog bites.
The most group affected by these dog bites is the children. They are much more likely to be severely injured. A child’s head, neck, and face can be bitten much easier than a full-grown adult.
The close proximity to the dog’s mouth is the reason why. These incidences are approximately 50% of the cases that will need medical care.
Adults will most often have dog bite injuries to the body area. Often the hands and arms will take the bite when trying to block the dog from an attack.
Bites can happen when trying to break up a dog fight. Bites to the legs are also common. Dogs that are not on a leash can be dangerous, whether at the local park or in the neighborhood.
Dog bites can be traumatic. The cost of these bites, enormous. Insurance companies pay out millions and millions of dollars every year for dog-related injuries.
The average cost of a dog bite insurance claim is well over $50,000 these days, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Damages from a Dog Bite Injury Accident
Damages from a dog bite injury can be wide-ranging. Whether you are a child or adult, having an unfortunate event with a dog can leave serious wounds.
They can be both physical and psychological. These are some of the most common damages from a dog bite injury.
Physical Injuries
- Cuts and Lacerations: Dogs can cause major damage to the skin. When the lacerations are serious a lot of bleeding can occur. If the dog bites into a major artery, the blood loss can even be fatal. Stitches are often required if the bite is severe. A bite victim may need surgery in some cases.
- Muscle and Nerve Damage: Bites to the muscles and the nerves can cause serious pain. A person’s mobility can be affected when the dog bite is in the leg area.
- Infections: Harmful bacteria can cause long-term damage to a dog bite victim. It can cause serious infections that can trigger other health issues in the future. This can be life-altering. In the most serious of bacterial infections, making a full recovery may be impossible.
- Scarring: Facial bites can leave permanent scarring and disfigurement. Bites to the arms, hands, and legs can also leave permanent scarring. Dog bites can change a person’s appearance and have a traumatic impact on their lives and self-esteem. Surgeries can be painful and expensive.
- Bone Breaks: A dog attack can cause a person to fall awkwardly. This can lead to bone breaks of all types. Fractures will often need surgery and time to heal.
Psychological Injuries
- PTSD: Getting attacked by a dog can cause post-traumatic stress disorder. A dog bite injury can create anxiety and other symptoms. Flashbacks and nightmares of the incident are not uncommon in these situations.
- Emotional Distress: A dog bite can have a long-term emotional impact. If you are left with scars and other permanent injuries, it will have a serious psychological effect on the victim.
Financial Costs
- Medical Expenses: The medical expenses from a dog bite can be daunting. Medical costs can include doctor visits, hospitalization, and surgery. There are often expenses in the future with this type of injury. Medications, therapy, rehabilitation, and other ongoing costs can add up.
- Wages Lost: Dog bite injuries will often need time to recover. This means time off work usually. Losing income and paychecks can cause serious financial stress and burdens.
Richard Harris will fight to get you maximum compensation for the damages left behind.
This includes damages now and in the future. Contact us immediately after a dog bite injury.
You can reach us by phone, email, or just come by the office.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
When it comes to dog bites and other personal injury claims, there will most likely be dealings with insurance companies.
Trying to take them on without an attorney, can be difficult.
Having Richard Harris represent you can be helpful for many reasons.
Policy Understanding: We understand the complexities of these insurance policies. An attorney is trained in these matters. It is important that you have a complete understanding of the terms and conditions of the policies related to the claim.
Filing a Claim: Claims must be filed on time and with the proper documentation. An attorney will help to make sure that this is done correctly.
Legal Representation: Richard Harris will help to make sure that your rights are protected. Having a highly respected attorney representing you is important. Claims can have disputes and denials. An attorney will make sure that you are treated fairly. If the case goes to trial, an attorney will be there to represent you.
Negotiating: Many times, personal injury claims can be settled through negotiations. Having a knowledgeable and experienced negotiator will increase your chances of receiving a higher payout. Insurance companies will try to get you to settle with a lower offer than you deserve.
Maximum Compensation: We will seek to get you the maximum compensation for your claim. This will take a skilled attorney that understands how to evaluate the insurance policy as it relates to your claim. An attorney will give you your best chance at winning.
