Five Crucial Steps to Follow If You Are Injured by a Dog
1. Photograph the Dog and Your Injuries, Then Report the Bite
If you’ve been attacked by a dog, make sure to get visual evidence. If you’re able to, take photos of the dog, your surrounding area, as well as any injuries or damages the animal caused.
In Central Oregon, you can report dog bites to the Deschutes County Animal Control at 541-693-6911. Oregon law requires your health care provider to report dog bites to the local health department using this form.
It’s important to know that dog bites and attacks are not the only type of incidents for which you can get compensation for. There’s a possibility you can get your medical bills covered – as well as compensation for pain and suffering – if a dog knocks you down and you are injured as a result.
2. Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Dog bites often result in severe infections. Their teeth can puncture deep into your body, leaving dangerous germs and bacteria. An infection can cause dog bite septicemia, sepsis, or a blood infection. Sepsis can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death.
In the U.S. 258,000 people die each year from sepsis. If you see a red streak spreading from the wound, go to a hospital emergency room or urgent care center immediately.
Dog bites can also cause the spread of rabies, which can be fatal. Ask the dog owner, possessor or handler if the dog as been immunized for rabies. Let your medical provider know if you cannot confirm the dog has been immunized for rabies. You may have to have a series of PEP (preventable serum) injections.
3. Contact a Compassionate Dog Bite Lawyer
After receiving medical attention, it’s important you contact an experienced dog bite lawyer immediately. As a reputable personal injury lawyer in Bend, OR, the G.R. Johnson Law Firm is here to provide compassionate advocacy for dog bite victims. Our skilled attorneys have a deep understanding of the laws surrounding dog attacks and will work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf. We believe that your dog bite lawyer should help you get your medical bills paid by investigating the case, and preserving the evidence to prove that the dog owner was at fault. We will strive to hold negligent dog owners accountable and seek maximum compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering.
4. Get Your Medical Bills Paid
Often the dog owner’s insurance company will have MedPay or Medical Premises insurance coverage. This will pay your medical bills, even if the insurance company disputes that the dog owner was negligent and therefore liable for your injury.
This is a no-fault insurance coverage, so it’s a good idea to ask the dog owner about it.
5. Seeking Fair Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Dog bites can cause devastating injuries and leave lasting physical and emotional scars. If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite in Bend, OR, our dedicated team of dog bite lawyers at the G.R. Johnson Law Firm is ready to fight for your rights. With our extensive knowledge of personal injury law and years of experience handling dog bite cases, we are equipped to navigate the legal complexities involved in pursuing a claim. We aim to seek fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages you have suffered as a result of the dog bite incident.