Dog bites are frightening, precautions can make sure that the fearful experience ends there since the aftermath can be worse than the initial encounter.
What Needs to Be Done After a Dog Bite
Dog bites are frightening. First, there is a growling, menacing animal that inflicts a painful bite and puts you on notice that you are no match for him. This article deals with what you need to do after the dog has left. Precautions can make sure that the fearful experience ends there since the aftermath of a dog bite can be worse than the initial encounter.
The real worry here is if there is no one walking the dog or admitting to ownership. Ask people who saw the animal about its owner. If there is no satisfactory answer, ask people who live in the neighborhood.
Take Care of the Immediate Needs
After stopping the bleeding, making sure you know if the dog is up to date on vaccinations is critical. If the owner is with the animal, ask them about the dog’s immunizations and the name of the vet who vaccinated them. It might be an idea to check with the veterinarian if the dog is up-to-date. Make sure to obtain the owner’s name.
The real worry here is if there is no one walking the dog or admitting to ownership. Ask people who saw the animal about its owner. If there is no satisfactory answer, ask people who live in the neighborhood.
See a Doctor
The Cleveland Clinic recommends that you see a doctor within eight hours of the bite. Wounds vary from minor to major. Some bites are puncture wounds that might not bleed profusely. Others are jagged where the wound has an irregular edge and bleeds heavily at times and are painful. Depending on the encounter, some may penetrate through to the fat layer of the skin and some may expose ligaments, tendons and bone.
Initial Steps to Prevent Infection
The following steps should be taken immediately after the dog bite:
- Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Allow the water to flush out the wound after removing the soap.
- Use a clean gauze pad or cloth to stop the wound from bleeding.
- Use antibiotic cream before placing a bandage.
- Place a sterile bandage over the wound.
- See a doctor.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions about caring for the dog bite.
- Observe the wound for any sign of infection. This includes swelling, redness, fever or pain.
Penalties Owners Face After a Dog Attack
Washington, D.C. takes dog bites seriously and imposes harsh penalties. For instance, the owner can be charged with manslaughter or 2nd-degree murder. A lawsuit can be filed against the owner for negligence or obvious wrongdoing (scienter) or if the dog was at large. The level of proof varies according to which approach is used. Nonetheless, a direct lawsuit can allow the plaintiff to recover damages such as:
- Medical care: This includes everything from emergency services to in-hospital care such as surgery or room bills. Medication is also covered.
- Lost wages: If the injured party is unable to work for a period of time after the dog bite, all lost wages are covered until they return. Likewise, if the injured party is permanently disabled, they can recover the wages they would have received had the accident not happened.
- Reconstruction surgery: Many times, expensive plastic surgery is needed, especially if the wound is on the face.
- Rehabilitation: For many victims, it is necessary to use rehabilitative therapy to regain the usage of a limb after it was badly damaged in a dog bite.
- Pain and suffering: Aside from physical pain, emotional and psychological trauma may affect the victim either short-term or permanently. Therapy is often needed to make the person whole again.
How Owners Can Prevent Dog Bites
There are things an owner can do to prevent a dog from attacking others:
- Spay or neuter the dog.
- Make sure the dog exercises adequately to keep them from becoming hyper.
- Always use a leash.
- Supervise the dog.
- Don’t allow the dog to be alone with children.
- Socialize the dog properly.
Roeser Law Firm
If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog, call the Roeser Law Firm to schedule a free case review. Our legal team will answer your questions and give you your options going forward. Remember, we work on a contingency basis, so you pay us nothing until you win your case. Call (202) 660-4070 or contact us online.
