Being attacked by an animal of any kind is a traumatic event. Animal attack, particularly dog bites, are almost usually sudden, leaving the victim unsure of how to react. Each year, around 4.7 million people in the United States are harmed as a consequence of dog bites or attacks. Children are one of the most vulnerable categories of people who can be gravely harmed or killed by dogs.
Things to do after a dog bite or attack:
You must take certain critical steps to safeguard your legal rights if you or a loved one is attacked or bitten by a dog. Samer Habbas & Associates, an Orange County law firm, has detailed some of the most crucial actions you should take, including:
- Identify the dog that bit you.
- Identify the dog’s owner. Obtain the owner’s information, including name, address, and telephone number.
- Get the name, address, and telephone number of any witnesses to the attack. Generally, dog owners will deny an attack or a bite, fearing that their dog might be taken away or put to sleep. In such cases, a witness statement or testimony will be imperative in getting you the compensation that you deserve.
- Contact Animal Services Agency or Law Enforcement to file an incident report.
- Take photographs of your wounds, bruises, and clothing.
- Obtain medical treatment.
- Contact an experienced attorney who can specifically handle these types of cases.
Compensation for dog bite victims:
Dog bites or attacks can result in serious injuries, as well as financial consequences for the victim and his or her family. Except for a few circumstances, a dog owner must compensate or “make whole” the victim of the assault. If you were bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to the following sorts of compensation, depending on the facts of your case:
- Past and future medical bills
- Property damage
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Any other out of pocket expenses related to the incident
