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.

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Call 911 if the Injury is Severe or Life-Threatening

It probably goes without saying, but emergency services should always be contacted if the victim is unconscious, bleeding profusely, or is having some other type of urgent issue. Dog attacks claim the lives of approximately 30 people every year, so if you question whether 911 is necessary, make the call just to be safe.

Dog Bite Treatment for Superficial Wounds

Scratches and small puncture wounds are common and these do not generally require emergency services as long as the victim is normally healthy.

1. Wash the area with soap and water.
2. Apply antibiotic ointment and a sterile bandage.
3. Use ice to slow swelling and minimize bruising.
4. Schedule a checkup with your primary care physician.

Dog Bite Injury Treatment for More Serious Wounds

When a bite is more serious, the initial treatment for the dog bite can be, and should be performed at home, though you should visit an urgent care clinic or the hospital as soon as possible.

1. If the tissue is not severely damaged, wash the area with soap and water. If tearing occurred or a portion of skin is missing, scrubbing it can cause more damage and should be avoided. Rinsing it to remove dirt and debris may be a more prudent choice, but if the area is bleeding a lot, skip to the next step.
2. Place a clean towel over the wound and apply firm, but gentle pressure to control bleeding. Whenever possible, elevate the wounded portion of your body above your heart to slow the flow of blood to the area.
3. If the bleeding stops, apply antibiotic ointment as well as a sterile bandage.
4. Go to a clinic or hospital that will provide urgent treatment.

Dog Bites Treatment at the Doctor’s Office or Hospital

It’s always important to have a physician examine your wounds and provide treatment for the dog bite. In less serious cases, this may simply mean checking it and reapplying ointment to prevent infection. If the area is badly damaged, the doctor may have to clean it better, remove dead tissue, and suture it. He will also examine any other areas of your body that may have been injured, to make sure you don’t have any fractures, muscle damage, or internal damage. You should be prepared to answer questions about the animal that attacked you, as the doctor will assess the need for prophylactic rabies treatment. Because Philadelphia requires all dogs to be registered, and to have a rabies vaccine in order to be licensed, the risk of contracting rabies is very low.

Follow Up Dog Bite Treatment at Home

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to stave off infection, and it’s important to take the full course, even if you feel well before you finish your last dose. You’ll need to monitor the wounds for signs that an infection is starting, regardless of whether you’re on antibiotics or not. Signs of infection may include redness, swelling, pus, warmth, and increasing pain or discomfort. Your doctor may recommend a follow-up, just to check the wound later or to remove sutures, and he will likely provide additional instructions for you to follow. Bear in mind that if the damage is extensive, you may need plastic surgery and a series of follow-ups to fully recover.

Philadelphia Dog Bite Lawyer

Getting dog bite treatment right away will make recovery faster and easier, but this does not change the fact that you will have medical bills as a result of your injuries. The state of Pennsylvania allows you to collect the full amount of your medical costs from the animal’s owner, but you must file before the statute of limitations is up. Those with severe injuries can collect reparations for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, legal fees, and more. If you or your child was bitten by a dog and you’d like to find out what you’re entitled to or are ready to file a claim, contact one of the experts featured on this site and ask for a free case evaluation today.

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