Did you know that 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs every year in America? That’s 1 out of every 73 people who are attacked by a dog and don’t know what to do about it. Even if you’re a dog lover, it can be difficult to understand what your choices are when a dog has bitten you.
There are many instances when a dog bite can occur, from rough play that gets a little too rough to being randomly attacked when walking down the street. If you’re unsure of what to do when you’ve been bitten by a dog, here are a few things to know.
Clean Your Wound
No matter what the circumstances, your first concern should be the risk of infection to your wound. Even if it was your dog that bit you, he could still carry bacteria that could infect your wound. Clean your wound with mild soap and water and stop any bleeding with clean cloths.
Use an anti-bacterial cream and wrap your wound in a bandage. It’s always wise to visit your doctor and show him your wound. He may advise a tetanus shot. Keep your wound clean by removing bandages and replacing them with new ones until it is fully healed.
Write Down What Happened
Being attacked by a dog that doesn’t belong to you can be terrifying. You may feel unsafe walking alone and the incident may have caused you some trauma, especially if your dog was attacked at the same time. It could make you want to forget all about the incident but the best thing you can do is write the details down while they’re fresh in your memory.
If you want to file a report with the police or talk to a solicitor, you’ll need to clearly remember the incident. Writing down what happened can also be therapeutic. Just like when you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to remember that you may need to speak to a lawyer. A motorcycle accident lawyer can provide the legal advice and support you need if you file a report with the police or pursue legal action.
Contact a Solicitor
If you got bitten by a dog, it’s worth looking at dog bite laws in your state. You may find that the owner of the dog that bit is liable for paying damages. That means if you have any medical bills, vet bills, or if you’re suffering from PTSD as a result of the bite, a lawyer could fight for compensation on your behalf.
This isn’t just the best way of making sure you’re not out of pocket but can also ensure that someone else doesn’t suffer the same fate with the same dog. Dog owners tend to become more responsible when they have to face the consequences of their dogs’ actions.
What To Do If You’re Bitten By a Dog
If you’re bitten by a dog, it’s important to look after yourself first and foremost. Once you feel ready, take a look at what you can do to bring anyone at fault to justice. It may give you the peace of mind you need to move forward.
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Amanda Byers is a graduate of Columbia, where she played volleyball and annoyed a lot of professors. Now as Zobuz’s entertainment and Lifestyle Editor, she enjoys writing about delicious BBQ, outrageous style trends and all things Buzz worthy.
