How to Pursue Compensation After a Disabling Dog Bite

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After a dog bite, you could be dealing with difficult emotional fallout and serious injuries. And if you’re not able to work, you could face mounting medical bills that you’re unable to pay. It’s critical to know the best course of action after a devastating dog bite so you can get your life back on track. 

Read on to learn how you can pursue compensation after a dog bite.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Before you do anything else, take care of your physical health. Don’t ignore seemingly small bites, as they could become infected and cause more serious issues. Head to an emergency room if you’re bleeding or experiencing intense pain. Alternatively, urgent care can be another good first point of contact with medical professionals. 

Gather all medical records or notes that identify your injuries and any chronic conditions. You may have a shoulder that requires rehabilitation from a fall during the incident, for instance, or you may need temporary home care. Take pictures, too, as soon as possible after you’ve been bitten. These records will come into play when you file a claim. Make sure you engage with the animal owner, if you can. You want to verify that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies, and you’ll want animal control to be aware of the dog’s behavior. Animal control or a local police department can make a record of the bite, and they may be able to determine if the dog has previous attacks on its record. 

Assemble Key Documentation

Ultimately, documentation will be central to building your case. Aside from collecting medical records, plan on gathering any photos of the incident or animal. Maybe you have damaged clothing from the attack that can help show the severity of the experience. And there may be witnesses whose contact information you’ll want to collect.

Write down your reactions to the experience, as well. Note any physical limitations or mental trauma. And reach out to an experienced dog bite lawyer in Tulsa for help assembling everything into a comprehensive claim. 

Know the Liability Laws

Don’t delay when filing a claim. You may have a few years to put forward a civil claim, but the exact limit will depend on where you live. Additionally, be aware of the liability laws in your state. The owner of the dog that attacked you might automatically be implicated, while other states may subscribe to negligence rules. In that scenario, it needs to be shown that the owner did not behave as they should have, perhaps ignoring leash laws or knowingly taking an aggressive dog in public. 

File a Personal Injury Claim

After pulling together evidence, you’ll be able to file a claim. You’ll want to partner with an attorney who can help you navigate the legal process. They’ll know how to determine the optimal value for the claim by looking at everything from missing wages to hospital bills. While the claims process is underway, don’t forget to tend to your medical needs and mental health. Follow all directions from your provider and reach out for emotional support as needed. 

Focus on Recovery

A dog bite can derail your life if you let it. Try to maintain a clear frame of mind so you can move forward with recovery. Seek medical care right away and work with a seasoned attorney with dog bite experience. When you act swiftly, you can get the compensation you need to take care of your health and financial situation.