Overview
Fondly known as “man’s best friend”, it’s hard to picture dogs as anything but happy, loving creatures. However, they are still animals that act based on instinct instead of logic, which can unfortunately lead to dog bites. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
Steps to Take After a Dog Attack
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year. If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, remain calm and take the following steps:
- Wash out the wound with soap and warm water.
- Call a physician or visit an emergency room and obtain documented proof.
- Report the dog bite to your local animal care and control.
- If possible, confine the dog (do not put yourself in danger).
- Record the details of the dog attack, including the dog breed, animal location, size of the dog, color of the dog, if the dog was wearing a collar or tag, the owner of the pet, etc.
- Collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Take pictures of the injuries.
- Keep clothing worn during the dog attack
- Do not speak to any insurance agents without contacting an Arizona dog bite attorney first.
The Dangers of a Dog Attack
Although dogs are lovable, they can be vicious. Dog attacks are often the result of careless owners who do not take the right steps to properly train and control their dog. Both small and large dogs can cause damage, but if a large dog attacks, the injuries suffered can be catastrophic. Injuries often include:
- Deep cuts and lacerations
- Muscle and tendon damage
- Broken and crushed bones
- Neck and spinal cord damage
- Blood loss
- Wound infections
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Brain trauma during falls
- Emotional and mental trauma
About half of all dog bites happen to children, most below the age of nine. Children are very impressionable, and a single dog attack can cause them to have a fear of dogs for the rest of their lives. You may need to file additional claims to recover enough compensation to cover all of your child’s injuries, including therapy to treat emotional trauma.
Compensation
The compensation you may be eligible for after a dog bite injury varies based on the severity of the injury, the amount of emotional trauma you suffered, and even your age. Dog bite injury treatment can range from something as simple as a few stitches to a series of internal damage. You are also eligible to receive compensation for the treatment of emotional trauma. Your claim can include:
- Past and future medical expenses, including testing, surgery, therapy, and assistive equipment
- Lost wages
- Lost career opportunities if you are disabled
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Mental anguish
At the end of the day, your dog bite bill can be relatively small or extremely costly. Most people do not have money put aside to cover large and unexpected medical bills, nor should they be expected to if the injury was out of their control. Dog bites are almost always the responsibility of the dog’s owner, meaning you can file a claim for compensation from them.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, contact Arizona Attorney Lawyers today to discuss your claim.
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