For many people, including small children, the sight of a dog is an invitation. They want to approach and interact with the animal. Most canine companions are excited about human encounters. However, some dogs become aggressive toward people. Children, in particular, may make high-pitched noises or abrupt movements that trigger a dog’s aggression.
When a dog bites a person, the incident can cause significant medical issues, long-term trauma and major financial losses. Dog bite victims and the parents of children attacked by aggressive dogs may need to follow the three steps below to protect themselves and better ensure that they can hold the animal’s owner accountable for the losses the incident generates.
1. Report the matter appropriately
Some dog bite incidents might occur at businesses. Stores and even offices may claim to be animal-friendly. Allowing animals onto the premises is a source of liability, and management may need to know about the incident. Other times, the person attacked may need to notify their neighbor, who is the animal’s owner. In cases where the incident occurs in a public setting without an owner on site, notifying local authorities, including law enforcement and animal control, may be necessary to document the incident and protect other members of the public.
2. See a doctor for the injury
Some dog bite attacks are so vicious that they obviously require immediate medical attention. Broken bones and major tissue damage make immediate emergency medical care necessary. Even a simple bite wound requires medical attention. The shape of a dog’s tooth can introduce bacteria deep into the body and make the wound very difficult to clean. Dog bite infections that lead to medical challenges and significant scars are a concern. Seeing a doctor helps ensure optimal recovery and creates secondary documentation of the incident.
3. Review insurance options
If a dog bite occurred at a business, then the company’s premises liability coverage might apply. When an incident occurs at a person’s home, their homeowners insurance might apply. Even if an attack occurs at a public park, renters or homeowners insurance carried by the dog’s owner might apply to the incident. In some cases, it may be possible to file a straightforward insurance claim. Other times, legal action may be necessary to secure appropriate compensation after a dog bite attack.
Reviewing the details of a particular incident with a legal professional could help the injured party evaluate their options. Those affected by a dog bite attack may have the right to request compensation for property damage expenses and medical costs, as well as any lost wages caused by the incident.