Steps to Take If You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog
You’ve just been bitten by a dog. Obviously you’re in pain. As a Washington dog bite victim, there are certain important actions you need to take immediately after being bitten by a dog. Here are some tips you may find helpful:
1. Identify the animal that bit you. If possible, identify the dog’s owner.
2. Get medical attention. If you have suffered deep bite marks, insist on seeing a plastic surgeon. Be sure to follow the physician’s directions and take the medications you are supposed to take. Also, be diligent about follow-up treatment for your injuries.
3. Once you identify the dog’s owner, get all possible information including the name of his or her insurance company, contact information, claim number and name of the insured.
4. Do not discuss the value of your claim.
5. Do not give any verbal or written statements to anyone.
6. Do not allow yourself to be tape-recorded, video-taped or photographed by the dog owner’s insurance company or attorneys for the other side.
7. Do not say anything about whose fault the dog attack was, even if you believe you may have provoked the dog.
8. Get the name, address and contact information (phone, e-mail) of anyone who may have helped you at the scene or witnesses who saw the dog attack occur.
9. Take photos of your wounds – bite marks, puncture wounds or bruises.
10. Contact an experienced Washington Tacoma personal injury lawyer, who will advise you about your legal rights and options and get working to obtain fair compensation to cover your medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of cosmetic surgery and other damages you may have incurred.