Determining what to do if bitten by a dog is a hard reality more than 4.5 million Americans face every year. From reporting, to getting dog bite treatment, including puncture wound and dog bite nerve damage treatment, there are many steps you must take when you’re a dog bite victim.
What to Do if Bitten by a Dog
1) Get Medical Treatment
Dog bite treatment should be your first priority if you’re trying to determine what to do if bitten by a dog. Infection is a very serious risk, as bacteria is present in at least 50% of dog bite cases. Puncture wound and dog bite nerve damage treatments are also necessary. Some dogs can bite down with as much as 600 pounds of pressure per square inch, causing crush-type injuries. These require special attention which must occur immediately after the attack in order to speed up the healing process and avoid long-term damage or ongoing issues.
2) Report the Incident
There are many agencies you’ll need to get in touch with to report the incident. Each one handles a different aspect of the case, so it’s important to contact them all.
Animal Care and Control: Philadelphia Animal Control should be contacted if the animal was roaming freely, though they will not take an animal from its owners unless instructed to do so by the authorities. You can report a stray or unrestrained pet on their website.
Division of Disease Control: The Division of Disease Control is the agency that logs all bite reports and will assess your risk for rabies. You can report your incident by calling them at 215-685-6748.
Philadelphia Police Department: It’s important to file a police report for a couple of reasons. First, the police will investigate, collect information, and will compile a report that may be beneficial if you file a claim later, so can receive compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Secondly, the animal’s owner may have violated laws that the authorities will want to pursue. For example, animal leash laws or dangerous dog statutes may come into play. These breeches of the law will be followed up wholly by the authorities, whereas you’ll be responsible for filing a separate claim for compensation. Check the police department website to locate the correct non-emergency number for your district.
Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer
Determining what to do if bitten by a dog can seem confusing because there are a lot of steps to take at a time when you are likely dealing with a medical crisis and trying to manage all your normal responsibilities at the same time. The good news is that you do not need to go through it alone. The professionals listed on Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer handle cases just like yours every single day and will stand by you every step of the way. Unlike other attorneys, they do not ask for money up front, even as they’re guiding you through the process. Instead, they help you file a claim and wait until you receive a settlement, which typically includes full coverage for your legal fees on top of reparations for things like medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. To get started, select an attorney from this site and request your free consultation today.
