Whether you love dogs or would rather avoid them altogether, getting attacked by a dog is a harrowing experience that can leave you injured and traumatized. Dog attacks can leave victims with painful injuries like bite wounds, infections, broken bones, lacerations, and permanent disfigurement. Some dog attacks are so vicious the victim may even die. This kind of situation is even more tortuous when the dog that attacked you is owned by a neighbor. Seeking compensation for your injuries can be awkward and leaves you feeling anxiety about the future.
If you're asking the question, "What do I do if my neighbor's dog attacks me," you're likely already considering taking legal action, which you should. At Morgan & Morgan, our dog attack lawyers have the skills, resources, and experience to win you the compensation you deserve for being attacked by a dog. We can explain your legal rights and come up with a game plan to pursue a claim against your neighbor's homeowner's insurance. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical costs, pain and suffering, lost income, and any other damages resulting from the dog attack.
What to do immediately after a dog attack
Getting attacked by a dog is a scary experience, but now is the time to take steps to preserve evidence and seek medical attention for your injuries. Here are some guidelines on what to do immediately after a dog attack.
Collect evidence of the attack: If possible, take a picture of the dog, the scene of the attack, and your injuries. Save any torn or bloody clothing as evidence. Take the contact information of any witnesses for our attorneys to follow up with later.
Get medical treatment: Dog bites are a serious matter since they often lead to an infection. Dog bites that pierce the skin allow bacteria to get in, which can lead to tetanus, sepsis, and rabies. Infection occurs in 10 to 15% of dog bites, so it's critical to get the proper treatment. Keep all medical records and documentation associated with the attack, as this will help determine the kind of compensation you can receive.
Identify the dog's owner: Dog owners have a responsibility to contain and control their dogs. Whether you're friendly with the owner or have never met them, you need to get the dog's vaccine records and the owner's contact information. However, it would be best if you did not discuss the attack with the owner. You may say some things inadvertently that could hurt your claim.
Contact animal control: Generally speaking, any dog attack should be reported to your local animal control, whether or not you were severely injured. Dog attacks are a serious community threat, and the owner may be cited. If the dog has attacked people multiple times, there should be a record.
Contact our expert dog attack lawyers: Filing a claim for a dog attack can be time-consuming and complex. Your neighbor's insurance company will try everything in its effort to minimize a payment or deny your claim outright. It's essential to have a skilled lawyer on your side to protect your rights and make sure you get the maximum compensation possible. Our attorneys are well versed in the tactics insurance companies use to protect their bottom line while denying you the compensation you deserve.