Most dogs are playful, loving, and docile. But all dogs have the potential to bite, including those with no history of biting. When people get bitten by dogs, they’re often shocked by what just happened—not to mention experiencing severe pain and bleeding.
The complications of dog bites can be serious. Although people say that dogs’ mouths are clean, they are actually teeming with bacteria. When they bite, their long and sharp teeth can push the bacteria deep inside the skin, resulting in deep wounds that can become infected.
If you or someone you love are bitten by a dog, it’s important to protect your health and your rights to compensation by taking these steps:
- Get the dog owner’s contact information: If the dog owner isn’t someone you know, get their name, phone number, and email address. You’ll need this information if you file an injury claim against them. You also may need to contact them to determine their dog’s health and vaccination status.
- Wash and apply pressure to the wound: Dog bites can cause heavy bleeding. If you’re able to, wash the wound immediately with soap and water. This can reduce the risk of infection. Then, apply pressure to it using a clean towel. This can stop the bleeding until you’re able to get professional medical help.
- Go to a doctor or the emergency room: Severe dog bites usually don’t stop bleeding on their own, and they may need to be treated with local and oral antibiotics. Going to a doctor not only protects your health, but it also creates an official record of the bite and the damages it caused you.
At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Virginia dog bite attorneys know how serious these bites can be. Contact us after a bite that wasn’t your fault—we’ll work hard to get you full compensation.
