Recovering from a Dog Bite: Important Steps

Healing after a dog attack should be your top priority. Some dog bites cause minor injuries, like scratches and bruises, while others lead to moderate or major injuries involving puncture wounds, broken bones, and lacerations. In addition to healing physically, it is beneficial to understand your legal options. Here are important steps you should take while recovering from a dog bite.

Follow All Doctor’s Advice

After the dog attack, you likely conducted first aid, did your best to remain calm, and either called 911 or went to the emergency room. No matter the injury’s severity, seeing a doctor immediately after a dog bite is essential.

While in the recovery process, follow all instructions your doctor provides. Take medication that has been recommended, change the dressings, and do all follow-up visits. Some injuries require surgery to repair nerves or tissue damage. You may need rehabilitation to restore proper function. Communicating with your doctor regularly and keeping all medical appointments will ensure you get the care you need and are on the quickest path to recovery.

Keep an Eye Out For Infection Symptoms

In addition to the potential of dealing with an infection while recovering from any laceration or puncture wound, there is the added danger of bacteria from a dog’s mouth. The medical professionals you visited after the injury likely cleaned the wounds to their best ability. However, the dog’s mouth bacteria could be deep in the wounds.

You should be on the lookout for various signs of infection. Contact your doctor if you notice pain and swelling around the wound, a warm feeling at the laceration or puncture site, or pus draining from the area. Other signs of an infection include weakness, fatigue, chills, fever, night sweats, and loss of use or sensation of the injured area. Seeking medical care when dealing with an infection can reduce the risk of complications.

Collect Evidence

You may be able to recover compensation for your injuries and other damages after a dog bite. In order to do so, you need to collect evidence as soon as possible following the attack. You should know the first and last name of the owner of the dog and their contact information. You should know the type of dog it is and its vaccination status. Find out if the dog owner has insurance, and get their insurance details.

Document Your Injury

It would be beneficial if you could have taken pictures of the bite before it was treated and the incident scene. Writing down as much information as possible while still fresh in your mind is beneficial. However, any information you write down later can also be helpful. Jot down information regarding pain, swelling, anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, and other symptoms. Write down how it has impacted your daily routine and ability to work. Lawyers will use this type of information in dog bite lawsuits.

Compensable losses that dog bite claims include medical bills, expenses related to mental health counseling, costs for therapy and relevant rehabilitation, and out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury and recovery process, including medications, accommodations for medical care, and similar expenses.

Repercussions For Dog Owners

Learning about laws related to repercussions for dog owners can benefit you and help you build a case to seek compensation. Potentially dangerous dogs may cause minor injuries, like lacerations, scratches, and bruising. They may menacingly chase people and should be kept out of dog parks and on a leash.

Dangerous dogs may cause severe injuries, like broken bones, lacerations, and injuries that cause disfiguration and long-term pain. These dogs should not be out in public and should be kept on the owner’s property. Vicious dogs may cause injuries that result in fatalities. Vicious dogs are often not permitted to reside in most cities and towns. If pursuing a case against a dog owner after an injury, a lawyer will know how local laws can affect your case.

Stay Positive While Recovering

Dog bites can cause physical, psychological, and emotional trauma. Getting the appropriate medical care and legal advice will put you on the best path to recovery and help you recover damages for your injury.