The interaction between humans and dogs dates back tens of thousands of years. Dogs are the most popular pets for obvious reasons ― their friendliness. This has been linked to their gene configuration; however, they are notorious for guarding and watchful behaviors, which may threaten the safety of people not in the household that adopted them.
During an attack, dogs can cause injury or bite the victim. Over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs yearly in the United States, and no lesser than 800,000 needs medical attention.
A dog may transmit rabies to a human during the bite. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain. If not treated on time, it could be fatal. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dogs cause 99 percent of all rabies transmitted to humans.
If bitten or injured by a dog, you may be eligible for a dog bite claim. Dog owners are legally obligated to keep their pets under control in a public space.
In most states, owners are financially responsible for dog bites (and other injuries) regardless of their carelessness or the dog’s history. For states without a strict law against dog bites, victims may still file a lawsuit if they can prove the owner knows the dog’s tendency to cause injury.
How to file a claim after a dog bite
When bitten or injured by a dog, below are the things to do if you intend to file a claim.
Get medical treatment
Dog’s teeth are designed to rip and tear. Their bites can be dangerous, exposing the skin to infections like tetanus and rabies. It may also damage structures deep beneath the skin, such as muscles, blood vessels, and bones.
Annually, more than 27,000 victims of dog bites require reconstructive surgery.
If you or your loved one is a dog bite victim, get medical treatment as soon as possible. Call 911 if needed. Never refuse first aid care on your way to the hospital.
Obtain the dog and its owner’s identity
Take pictures of the scene. Make videos of the wound, the dog, and the blood on the ground. Get the names and contacts of witnesses.
Also, obtain the identity of the dog’s owner and continue collecting evidence, including medical bills and health records, until the end of the case.
Notify the appropriate authority
Report the incident to the appropriate authority. Most areas have an Animal Control division that addresses anything concerning pets and other animals.
If you do not know who to report to, call the police.
Research
Once you have enough documents to argue your case, reinforce it by researching if the dog has a history of attacking people.
Contact the dog’s owner
Reach out to the owner directly or by sending a letter to notify them of the incident. Inform the owner of your decision and find out if they have any liability insurance.
Find a lawyer
Present all the gathered evidence to a lawyer. The lawyer will help you to get the best compensation for the injury.
Meanwhile, keep a record of all the medical treatment and expenses. Document the impact the incident has had on your life. People experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), physical pain, loss of work, and even death.
Who pays for a dog claim?
Typically, dog owner or their insurance pays for any injury caused. The owner is likely to have homeowners’ or renters’ insurance.
The victim’s health insurance may also cover medical expenses after a dog bite.
Tips to avoid a dog bite
Dogs are friendly creature but whenever they feel threatened or afraid, they can bite. Children are usually the victim of dog bite.
Below are some tips to avoid dog bite:
- Always take few steps backward after knocking at a door in case the resident opens the door and let their dog out.
- Scare away an attacking dog with water.
- Do not pet or attempt to feed a strange dog.
- Approaching a nursing dog with her puppies present can be dangerous.
- Avoid houses with dogs especially those with a warning of dog’s presence.
- Do not bother a dog while eating or meeting another dog.
- When a dog approaches to attack, shout commands the owner may have trained the dog with such as: No, Off, Stop, Come, Sit, Down, etc. In some cases, the dog owner might be too petrified to call the dog to order.
- Except invited, avoid getting between a dog and its owner.
10 dogs that are more likely to bite
Keep your distance when around these dogs:
- Dalmatians
- Pit bulls
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Chihuahuas
- Bully Breeds
- Terriers
- Cocker Spaniels
- Tosa Inu
- Dobermans
