Dog bites can be a terrifying experience and it is important to take the proper steps in order to reduce any associated risks.
Most of the time, dog bite injuries can be fairly easily treated with simple first-aid measures and over-the-counter medications. However, there are times when medical attention may be needed. In this blog post, we'll look at what should be done if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation of having been bitten by a dog.
Identify the Dog and Its Owner
First, if possible, try and identify who had custody of the dog that attacked you. This information can be used to provide compensation for damages incurred as well as ensure proper medical care is taken.
Stop Bleeding and Clean the Wound
Elevate the injured area and cover it with a clean towel or cloth in order to stop any bleeding. Then wash the bite area carefully using soap and water, which helps reduce bacteria on your skin that could cause infection.
Apply Antibiotics and Bandages
Once cleaned, apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream if available, then bandage or pad the wound before taping it in place with medical tape or adhesive strips. It’s important to keep this dressing on for one full day before changing it out for fresh material. Be sure not to leave your wound uncovered until fully healed.
Seek Medical Attention
If you think further treatment might be needed due to infection or other potential issues caused by a dog bite, seeking medical attention immediately is advised – even if there are no apparent signs of damage or injury beyond the initial pain from being bitten itself. A doctor is best suited to assess such wounds and offer appropriate remedies including antibiotics and tetanus shots when necessary.
Report Incident
Report the incident right away so animal control authorities can take action against whoever was responsible for allowing the attack to occur in the first place – if deemed necessary after they conduct their investigations into what happened exactly.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney
In particularly severe cases of dog bite injuries, it may be necessary to engage the services of a qualified attorney who specializes in animal attack law. A dog bite attorney, such as those at Curan & Ahlers, can help you determine if you are eligible for financial compensation or other forms of legal action against the owner or custodian of the animal that attacked you.
Most attorneys, including Curan & Ahlers, will offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and recommend an appropriate course of action – so make sure to take advantage of this opportunity if required. You should also be aware that some states have strict guidelines when it comes to filing dog bite claims or pursuing legal action, so it is important to understand any local laws regarding such incidents before proceeding with any formal proceedings.
Conclusion
By following these steps after being attacked by a canine companion, hopefully, you can rest assured knowing all possible precautions have been taken both during treatment at home as well as medically afterward - ensuring that no long-term ill effects arise due to infection or other unknown risks associated with these types of injuries! If you are in need of a dog bite attorney, contact Curan & Ahlers today for a free case consultation.