5 Steps to Take After a Dog Attack
More than four million Americans sustain injuries from dog attacks each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with nearly one in five people bitten requiring medical attention for their bite.
If you’ve been injured from a dog attack in Arizona, contact our Phoenix personal injury attorneys at the ELG Law. Our team of personal injury lawyers is here to help with a free, no-hassle consultation and five steps to keep in mind after an attack.
Defend and Protect
When a dog attack is occurring, protect yourself by positioning a jacket, purse, or other objects between yourself and the dog. These objects may distract the dog or entice him, allowing time for you to get away from the scene. Additionally, you should lay face down and curl into a ball, staying still and using your closed fists to cover your ears, face, and neck.
Escape to Safety
Once you’re able to distract the dog or escape the area, get to a safe place, like a house or other location that’s not accessible to the dog. At that point, you will be able to assess your condition and take note of any injuries sustained.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The most vital step after a dog attack is to seek immediate medical attention. Even if it seems like your injuries aren’t severe, you should receive timely attention by trained medical professionals. Ensure that they administer a rabies test and document all the treatment that you receive for your injuries.
Contact Authorities
Dog attacks are serious incidents and require the involvement of authorities. Call law enforcement as soon as possible to report the incident and supply all relevant information about the incident. In Arizona, stringent dog bite laws are heavily enforced and help prevent future dog attacks by repeat offenders. You should also contact animal control to report the dog attack and have the dog apprehended if it remains on the loose.
Call Your Lawyer
Once you’ve sought treatment for your injuries and contacted the authorities, call an experienced personal injury lawyer. Whether you’re dealing with residual emotional scars and trauma, injuries, or exorbitant medical bills after a dog attack, the expertise of a skilled attorney is invaluable. Furthermore, it’s essential to contact a skilled attorney within the legal timeframe of the incident to avoid jeopardizing your chance of a fair settlement.
Personal Injury Lawyer in Phoenix
Knowing the proper steps to take after a dog attack is vital for the smoothest recovery possible. Dog attacks are an unfortunate situation, but it’s important to stay calm and collected in the aftermath. If you are the victim of a dog attack, contact your personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can work as your liaison with insurance companies and help you organize and take note of the facts of your case, making your recovery stress-free.
If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, contact our Phoenix personal injury lawyers at ELG Law today. Call us at (623) 562-3838 for a free consultation and no-hassle legal aid.
