Personal Injury: Dog Bites
In the State of Missouri, personal injuries or property damage related to dog bites are common and sometimes horrific. Injuries from dog bites can range from minor to extremely serious, including permanent disability and disfigurement. If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog, contact an attorney right away to help start your case. Damages from dog bites can include medical bills for your treatments or surgeries, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.
What should I do if I’ve been attacked by a dog?
Call the police
By calling law enforcement an official record of the incident is created by a third party. This can be very useful when seeking compensation.
Obtain the dog owner’s name and contact information
Get the owner’s full name, address and phone number. Be sure to do the same of any witnesses that may have seen the attack, as they may be needed to testify. You should also ask if their dog is up to date on their shots. Treatment for diseases carried by unvaccinated animals can be costly, so you will want to know if you need to seek additional medical treatment to account for potential exposures.
Take photos
Documenting your injuries is very important in the case of a dog bite. You should photograph all wounds, torn clothing, bruises, bite marks and any other markings from the attack. You should also photograph the scene of the attack and the dog who bit you.
Seek medical attention
You will want to be evaluated by a medical professional, even if you don’t think your injuries are that serious. Infections are common in dog bites, so you will want your wounds cleaned, disinfected and stitched if necessary.
Keep written notes
Make a detailed, written record of the pain & suffering you experience as the result of the attack. Treat this like a journal where you can write daily what you’re feeling, your pain level, your mental and emotional status, and any other details about your recovery. Sometimes these cases can take years to settle, so you can rely on this form of documentation rather than your memory.
Call an attorney
Be sure to quickly seek out an experienced dog bite attorney to get your case started. The longer you wait to start this process, the less likely it may be that you will be compensated. Not only will there likely be medical bills associated with the treatment of your dog bite, but you may also have loss of wages due to being unable to work and severe pain from the injuries. An attorney can advise you of your rights and help get you what you deserve.
With over a decade of experience working within Missouri’s Legal System, Daniel Finder is ready to represent clients with cases related to dog bites or damage caused by dogs. Call us today for a free consultation.
