Determining what to do if bitten by a dog can feel overwhelming, especially if you or your child was seriously injured. However, if a dog has bitten you, there are some simple steps you can take to help improve your recovery and ensure that you are not burdened with bills as a result. Use this page as a quick reference guide, so there’s no question about what to do if bitten by a dog.
Bitten by Dog: What to Do First
1) Your first step should always be to seek medical attention. Call 911 if it’s an emergency. If not, you can see your primary care physician or an urgent care facility. When a human is bitten by a dog, the chances of an infection are incredibly high, so it’s important to have the area properly cleaned and treated.
2) Contact the Philadelphia Police Department and file a report. An officer will be dispatched and he will conduct an investigation, file a report, and follow up on any criminal charges that may need to be filed.
3) Call the Division of Disease Control. Simply tell them, “I was bitten by a dog,” and they will ask questions about the animal to assess your risk for rabies. If you were bitten by dog with shots or a by a family pet, the risk is incredibly low, but if the animal was a stray, they may recommend prophylactic treatment in the form of a series of shots. They will also make a report of the attack.
4) If the animal is at large, contact Animal Care and Control. Although the agency will not remove an animal from its owner’s care unless the officer instructs them to, they will try to pick up a stray or an animal at large.
What to Do if Bitten by a Dog: After the Attack
1) Retain an experienced attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills and other expenses. A competent attorney will walk you through the process and help ensure you do not suffer financially as a result of the attack.
2) File a claim or negotiate with the insurance company. Many cases never need to go to court, as insurance companies prefer to avoid the expense. However, they do not always offer a fair settlement and they may intentionally process a claim slow, so you miss the deadline for filing. Refer to your attorney on which methods are best.
Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer
You don’t need to figure out what to do if bitten by a dog on your own. The professionals listed on this site handle cases just like yours on a routine basis, and can ensure that you follow the correct procedures and receive a fair settlement. To get started, contact the attorney of your preference and request your free case evaluation today.
