Dog bites can cause severe injuries, leaving lasting physical and emotional damage for victims. If you have suffered a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our Cincinnati dog bite attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy understand the devastating effects of dog bites. We can discuss your legal rights during a free, no obligation consultation. If we feel that you have a valid claim and you decide to move with us, we can help build a strong case against negligent dog owners for the damages you have suffered.
Below are several important steps you should take after a dog bite to ensure your safety and preserve your claim for compensation.
Seek Medical Treatment
Dog bites can result in serious infections and other complications. You should always seek medical attention following a dog bite, even if the bite is minor. Your medical records of this treatment will support your claim in court.
Report The Attack
For any bite, major or minor, always report the incident to the appropriate authority in your county. A dog bite report documents your case, providing evidence you need to support your claim for compensation.
Reporting dog bites also helps any future victims who are attacked or bitten by the dog. Your report serves as a paper trail and helps authorities enforce dog bite laws.
Identify The Dog And Its Owner
After a dog bite, gather as much information as you can about the dog and its owner. Collect the following information, if possible:
- Owner’s name
- Owner’s address and contact information
- Dog’s breed
- Vaccination records
The dog’s breed is especially important because different breeds can cause a ranging severity of bite injuries. Knowing the dog’s breed can help your physician treat your injury properly. Certain breeds are considered more aggressive and require precautions to prevent attacks and bites. If the owner failed to take precautions for an aggressive dog breed, his or her liability may increase. The owner may also have a history of issues with the dog, which can increase your chances of obtaining compensation.
Document Everything
Document all aspects of your injury, treatment and recovery. Photograph your injuries and condition to build visual evidence of your story. Take photos of the following:
- Your wounds before, during and after treatment
- Scratches or bruises from the attack
- Torn and/or bloodied clothing worn during the attack
- The area where the attack occurred
- The presence or absence of dog warning signs on the property
Talk To Any Witnesses
Witness statements can be very helpful in proving your case. His or her testimony can verify your story and provide details that you did not know. This can include how the animal was behaving before the attack, how the attack occurred and what happened after the attack.
Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses who were at the scene when the dog bite occurred. It may be beneficial to canvas the neighborhood or area to find witnesses who may have seen the attack if you are not aware of anyone who was present.
Start A Journal
As you go through treatment for your dog bite injuries, keep a personal journal to record the details of how you are feeling. A personal journal is very helpful in demonstrating the pain and suffering you experience due to a dog bite.
Each day, starting as soon as possible after the incident, write a journal entry. Include details such as the pain level you experience, any activities or tasks you cannot do because of the injury, your mental state and any other details relevant to your injury and how you are feeling in spite of it.
Contact A Trusted Cincinnati Lawyer
If you were bitten by a dog and suffered physical or emotional injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. A Cincinnati personal injury lawyer will fight to hold negligent pet owners responsible for the damages their dogs have caused. We will fight to recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Request a free, no obligation consultation today and learn if you have a case for dog bite compensation. There are no upfront fees and you only pay if we recover compensation in your case.