Canine Bite: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year- most of which are children. While some bites may seem minor, others can result in serious injury or even death. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, it is important to take action right away.

Wash The Wound

A dog’s mouth has bacteria that can cause an infection. Wash it with soap and water or flush it out using running tap water, then cover loosely in a gauze bandage. It is also important to keep your wound dry for the first 24 hours after washing.

There are other disinfectants you can use like hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or alcohol. However, if the bite is more than a quarter-inch deep.

Keep the wound away from any harsh chemicals or detergents, it could irritate and worsen the injury. Don’t go swimming in lakes or pools, and avoid hot tubs until the wound has healed.

Seek Medical Attention

Seek medical attention right away. Even if you are unsure of the severity of the injury, leaving them untreated can be detrimental to your health. Bites can become infected and lead to other complications.

Getting the help you need is a priority.

Watch For Signs of Infection

The wound may start to look red and swollen and feel warm to the touch. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible. Antibiotics can treat the infection.

Get A Rabies Shot

Dogs can carry rabies, and if you’re bitten, there is a possibility that the infection will be transmitted through their saliva into your bloodstream.

Staph infection is a common risk of dog bites, which can lead to bone and joint infections. Complications like gangrene or sepsis may occur.

Protecting yourself from these risks is important, and getting the help you need as soon as possible is the best course of action.

Find The Dog

If you are able, try to identify the dog that bit you. Get as much information about the dog as possible, including its breed, age, and owner’s contact information. Contact your local animal control agency and report the incident.

Document everything that happened before, during, and after the bite occurred. This includes taking pictures of the injury and gathering witness statements. If the dog has a history of causing harm, measures need to be taken before the attacks turn fatal.

Identify The Dog’s Owner

If you have not already done so, contact the owner of the dog that bit you. They may be able to help with medical bills and other expenses related to your injury. If they are unknown or uncooperative, call a lawyer right away for help in seeking compensation from them through court action or an insurance company settlement.

Contact An Attorney

Seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer if you believe you have a case against the dog’s owner. You can get in touch with a lawyer at rosenfeldinjurylawyers.com/dog-bite-attacks.html. They can assist you in properly litigating the claim. Dog bite cases can be complicated and require the expertise of a legal professional. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, file a claim, and protect your rights.

There are several moving parts in a dog bite claim. Establishing liability, proving negligence, and quantifying damages can be difficult. The owner may try to claim that you provoked the dog or that you were trespassing. They could also say that it was a one-time incident and that their pet has never bitten anyone else.

You need as much evidence as you can gather.

Keep all medical records related to your injury. These documents are crucial in proving that you suffered harm at the hands of a dog bite; this includes any medications prescribed by doctors or treatment received from hospitals after being bitten. Keep these items organized so they can be provided when needed during court proceedings.

Keep track of the expenses you’ve incurred from the incident, and include these details in your claim.

Contact Animal Control

If the dog is still loose, contact your local animal control agency and provide them with as much information about the dog as possible. They will be able to investigate, track, and capture the animal.

Even if the dog has an owner, it may be beneficial to file an incident report with the control center. The owner may be negligent with the dog, allow it to run loose, or pursue dangerous behavior.

A dog bite can be a very traumatic experience. Take all necessary precautions, and pursue every avenue of healing available to you.