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What to do after a Dog Bite

22. What to do after a Dog Bite1Dogs are cute and fun. They like to run and play, eat, sleep, and gnaw on a chew toy now and then. However, there are some dogs that are not so nice to people. They may be that way because of breed, upbringing, abuse, or they are provoked in some way to attack. Even the nicest dogs have attacked when they have been provoked in some way.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite without provoking the dog in any way, you may be able to hold the dog owner accountable for not keeping control over their pet. At Brotherly Law, we have seen very serious dog bite injuries that have resulted in reconstructive surgery, infection, and much more. When you have dealt with such challenges, it is important to have a dog bite attorney in Philadelphia in your corner to help cover the costs associated with the dog bite incident.

Types of Dog Bite Wounds

It is first important to understand the types of dog bite wounds, which will determine what you should or shouldn’t do after a dog bite. The most common types are:

  • Superficial wounds – A superficial wound is not very deep at all. A little peroxide, a topical antibiotic, and a bandage can be adequate treatment. However, this doesn’t mean that an infection won’t come about later. It is still good to seek medical attention, especially when not up-to-date on your tetanus shot.
  • Puncture wounds – Puncture wounds put a person at an even higher risk of infection. This is a case where you hope it is bleeding because the blood will clean the wound. If the puncture is not bleeding, then bacteria can be trapped. It is important to seek medical attention for puncture wounds. In the meantime, apply pressure to the wound if it is bleeding a lot and don’t use peroxide, rubbing alcohol or iodine on the wounds.
  • Deep and disfiguring wounds – There are times when a dog attack is so vicious that the dog may cause significant tissue damage that goes well beyond puncture wounds. These are the types of dog bite injuries that require surgery and lengthy recovery. It is imperative to seek immediate medical attention.

Right after the Dog Bite

Right after the dog bite, the above steps for dealing with the wounds are important. If there is a puncture wound that continues to bleed after putting five minutes of pressure on it, it is an emergency situation because that could mean an artery was punctured. In other words, call 911 or get to an emergency room immediately.

The medical care aspect is going to be very important when looking to hold the dog owner or handler responsible for negligently maintaining the dog. Make sure you have the names and contact information of any witnesses, as well as the contact information of the dog owner or the person handling the dog. You will need proof of rabies vaccination from the dog owner so that it is known whether or not you may need certain other types of medical intervention.22. What to do after a Dog Bite2

Once you have the information that you need, you can call us and we will look at all of the facts, the details surrounding your injuries, witness statements, and we can also see if the dog has had any prior incidents. If you have a case, we can then move forward with the filing of a lawsuit that holds the responsible party or parties responsible for your medical costs, pain and suffering, and wages lost from missing work due to the injuries.

Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney in Philadelphia

People are bit by dogs every day. Some dog bite injuries are not serious, while others can cause a great deal of disfigurement. Knowing what to do after a dog bite is very important, as it involves seeking medical attention and legal assistance so that the dog owner can be held liable if their negligence lead to the incident. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, resulting in medical expenses and other financial damages, you may have a personal injury case. To learn more, call Brotherly Law at (215) 545-8500 or contact us online to request a free consultation.

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If you have been injured due to no fault of your own, you may be able to hold the responsible party accountable for the monetary damages resulting from the accident. Fill out the form below to request a free consultation so we can evaluate your case.

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