You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog; What Do You Do Next?

One of the more often overlooked causes of personal injuries is dog bites. This is because they don’t make headlines like car crashes and they don’t generally cause the same level of damage as slip and fall accidents. Don’t think for a second that dog bites aren’t dangerous or that they aren’t prevalent.

According to data accumulated by the Centers for Disease Control, more than four million Americans are bitten annually. Twenty percent of those bites require medical attention, and children aged five to nine are the most frequent victims of dog bites. While the prevailing thought might be that these bites are from strays, most commonly, people are bitten by dogs they know.

• Choose the right dog. This is especially true for a family dog. You want a pet with a good temperament
• This just makes sense; avoid strange dogs that you don’t know
• Never bother a dog that is eating or feeding its puppies
• Don’t run away from aggressive dogs. Stay calm, move slowly and avoid eye contact

• Place a clean towel over the injury
• Elevate the injured area, if possible
• Wash the bite wound with soap and water, and apply sterile bandage
• Go to the doctor and hire an attorney

• Do you know the dog or the owner of the dog?
• Do you know if the dog has the appropriate vaccinations, and if they are all up to date?
• Did you provoke the dog, or was the attack unprovoked?
• Have you contracted any lingering health conditions as a result of the bite?
• Have you had to miss work due to injuries?

If you’ve been injured by a dog bite, it’s crucial that you take immediate legal action. The knowledgeable NJ personal injury attorneys at Graziano & Flynn are highly experienced in obtaining optimal results and compensation for their clients. Contact us today if you’ve been hurt.