5 Things You Should Do If You're Bitten By A Dog

They say that dogs are man's best friend, but not all dogs are friendly. Even without provocation, sometimes dogs can get aggressive and bite you. Dog bites can be dangerous and should always be treated seriously. Here are five things you should do if you're bitten by a dog:

1. Get to safety.

If the dog continues to try to attack you after the initial bite, do whatever you have to in order to get to safety. If there is something you can climb nearby, that is a good tactic to get away from an aggressive dog. Even climbing onto a car can slow a dog down and prevent it from injuring you further.

2. Apply pressure to the wound.

If the dog bite punctured your skin, you should apply pressure to the wound. Without knowing how deep the wound is, you have no way of knowing how much it will bleed. Wrap a clean piece of clothing around your bitten body part and press firmly to staunch the blood flow.

3. Exchange information with the dog's owner.

If the dog's owner is present, take down their name and phone number. If you aren't too badly injured, you should also find out as much as you can about the dog's health, since that can help your doctor treat your wounds. According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, you should ask the owner if their dog has had their rabies shots.

4. Seek medical attention.

It's imperative that you get prompt medical attention. A doctor can give you stitches if necessary. They may also want to put you on antibiotics and give you a tetanus shot if you haven't already had one in the past 10 years.

5. Hire a personal injury attorney.

Once you've received medical care, your next step should be contacting a personal injury attorney. They can help you figure out how to proceed and ensure that you're fairly compensated for your injury. You're entitled to monetary compensation for your medical bills, and you may be awarded damages for your pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence to make your case, since you will have to prove that the dog bit you unprovoked.

Being bitten by a strange dog can be terrifying, but you will get through the situation. By following these five steps, you will be able to recover from a dog attack physically, emotionally, and financially. Get in touch with a business like Hodge Law Firm for more information.