Most dogs are only interested in providing love, play, and companionship for their owner and the other people around them. However, even the friendliest dog in New York may attempt to bite someone if the wrong set of circumstances takes place.
Knowing what steps to take in the immediate aftermath of a dog bite will not only become critical to the health of the bite victim but will also play a role in determining what comes of any intended legal action.
The first consideration following a bite from a dog is to secure any health care that may be needed. Medical attention becomes more important when a puncture wound or other serious injury is the result of the dog bite. It is important to remember that some dog owners do not keep up with vaccinations as well as others so medical care is important for any wound that breaks the skin.
The bite victim and dog owner should exchange information after the incident. Important information to obtain includes name, address and other contact information. It may be a good idea for the bite victim to ask the dog’s owner if an up to date account of the dog’s vaccination history is available.
Both the dog bite victim and owner of the dog should also ask anyone who witnessed the incident for contact information. If it becomes necessary for one party to file an insurance claim or lawsuit, an eyewitness account of the incident will prove useful.
It may also become necessary to file a report with an animal control agency. This action will prevent another person from suffering a bite from a dog who proves dangerous.
A dog bite is no laughing matter and can result in serious injury to a victim. Individuals who suffer an injury as a result of dog bites may need to contact a personal injury attorney to receive the compensation they deserve.