While dogs are companions and friends, they are still animals that can sometimes be unpredictable or unstable and bite you. If you are bitten by a dog, it is important to know what to do next as there are a few essential steps to take depending on the severity of the injury.

1. Assess the Severity of the Wound

The first thing to do following a dog bite is assess the severity of the wound. There are primarily two different types of dog bite wounds.

• Superficial Dog Bite Wound

A superficial dog bite wound is a small scrape or gash that is shallow and does not go deep into the skin. With a superficial wound, the next step is to clean the wound with water and hydrogen peroxide, apply a topical antibiotic, and bandage it.

• Puncture Wounds From a Dog Bite

A puncture wound is a deep bite wound that will bleed quite a bit. Once you are bitten, do not be afraid to let the wound bleed a bit (unless you are losing a lot of blood), as the flow of blood can help cleanse the wound. After a few minutes, apply direct pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding and clean the wound. If you cannot stop the bleeding, call 911 for emergency assistance as soon as possible.

2. Check for Rabies, Tetanus or Other Dog Bite Infections

If you are bitten, immediately ask the owner if the dog is rabid or has any diseases. If it is a stray dog, do not attempt to catch or hold the dog. Contact animal control, and get to a doctor to make sure the wound is not infected with rabies, tetanus, or another disease or infection. Regardless, make sure to clean the wound and use antibiotics to make sure you do not get a dog bite infection.

3. Get the Dog Owner’s Contact Information

In California, a dog owner is liable if their dog bites an individual. Therefore, if you are bitten make sure to get the owner’s information so you can contact them in the future if you wish to take legal action. It is better to be safe than sorry.

4. Talk to Any Witnesses

If anyone witnessed the attack, make sure to talk to them to get their account of what occurred. Having witnesses corroborate your account of the dog bite can be helpful in the future. Make sure to get the contact information for the witnesses in case a follow up is needed.  

5. Have a Doctor Evaluate the Wound

Even if you think you have the wound under control, go see a doctor immediately. Having a written record of the state of the wound is essential if you wish to get compensation for damages and medical costs in the future.

6. Contact a Personal Injury Dog Bite Lawyer

If a dog bites you, you are eligible for compensation for damages and any medical costs. You are entitled to take a stroll through your neighborhood without getting assaulted by a dog, and you should be compensated for this traumatic experience. Make sure to contact a personal injury attorney and dog bite lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Dog Bite Lawyer at Bates Law, APC in San Diego

If you have been bitten by a dog in San Diego, contact Bates Law, APC immediately. Our team of dog bite lawyers are dedicated to providing the compensation you deserve in personal injury lawsuits, including dog bites.

For more information, give us a call at (619) 222-0900.