Dogs are known to be loving, loyal companions. Many families have dogs as pets. However, not all dogs are friendly or good with people. When dog owners don’t take proper precautions to keep others safe from their dog, it’s possible the dog will lash out. A dog attack can result in devastating injuries, but you can seek legal recourse. A Morris dog bite lawyer from Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP may be able to help you get fair compensation for your injuries.
Our lawyers understand how terrifying a dog attack can be and how much harm they can cause. Your injuries may be preventing you from returning to work or participating in activities you used to enjoy. With a dog bite claim, you can make your voice be heard, and our attorneys will fight for your rights.
A dog attack can be shocking and unexpected. You may wonder how it happened in the first place. Let’s get into how a dog bite can occur.
How Do Dog Bites Happen?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to a dog attack. The animal may feel threatened if someone is encroaching on their territory. They can also be on guard if they haven’t met you. If the dog is eating, sleeping, or is taking care of puppies, they may attack others who get too close.
The dog’s owners also have a responsibility to make sure the dog is secure. This means if the dog is outside, it shouldn’t be able to get away from the property. For instance, the property could have a fence that keeps the dog from getting out. The fence shouldn’t have any openings or points where the dog can escape. If someone is taking their dog for a walk, the dog needs to be on a leash. If the dog gets loose, it can attack someone.
Your lawyer will investigate the details of your case to see how the dog was able to attack you. They’ll establish how negligence lead to your injuries and how the injuries could have been avoided. We understand how severe these injuries can be and the pain they can cause. After an attack, you may benefit from knowing how to treat the wound.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?
When a dog bites you, it’s important to treat the wound as quickly as possible. After you get to a safe area, take the following steps:
- Clean the wound with soap and water.
- Stop the bleeding. Use a clean cloth and apply pressure to the wound.
- Put a clean bandage on the wound.
- If the bleeding doesn’t stop or you start to feel dizzy, call emergency services.
There are a few situations where you should seek out medical attention. If you are unaware if the dog has had its shots or you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last five years, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Keep an eye on the bite. Your wound may become painful, red, or swollen. You may develop a fever. Deeper bites could result in losing function in the wounded area or exposure of the soft tissue and bone underneath the skin. If any of these happen, you need to seek medical care immediately.
After you’ve sought treatment, you should call a dog bite lawyer in Morris. Dog bite claims can be difficult to deal with, and it’s important to have a trusted representative at your side. While proving your claim can be a complex situation with any area of premises liability law, dog bite claims present a unique area of difficulty because of the emotions that can be involved.
The Unexpected Aspects of a Dog Bite Claim
At first, filing a dog bite claim may seem like an easy decision to make. A dog attacked you or a loved one and the incident ended in injury. However, the situation can be tricky when you know the dog. Your family member or friend could be the dog’s owner. Filing a claim against them could strain the relationship. You may be dealing with a dog owner who doesn’t realize they were negligent or that their dog caused a lot of harm.
This can be frustrating and may make you consider just moving on from the accident without taking any action. However, you should prioritize your health and well-being.
When a dog attacks, it can result in a number of injuries. A bite may cause cuts and bruises. Sometimes, the bite can transfer an infection. There’s also the chance a dog could knock someone off their balance and cause them to fall. Falling injuries can include hitting one’s head, breaking a bone, or spraining wrists or ankles. The trauma of the attack can also leave mental scars as well. A person who was attacked could have post-traumatic stress disorder or develop a phobia of dogs. Our lawyers will fight for you to recover these financial losses so you can get the medical care you need to heal.
Get Peace of Mind Today
While filing a claim may be difficult, you deserve to exercise your rights when you’ve been wrongfully hurt. Our attorneys will look out for your best interests and help you through the litigation process. All you have to do is call our firm and schedule an initial free consultation.
