According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States.” About 1 in every 5 bites lead to infection. The most susceptible to complications are children and postal workers.
It’s no surprise then why there are so many personal injury cases involving dog attacks. If you’re facing this situation, below are a few mistakes to avoid when filing your personal injury claim.
Not Getting Treatment – Many dog bite victims make the mistake of thinking that just because the bite wound doesn’t look serious, they don’t have to get it treated. But even the smallest wounds can lead to a serious infection as a dog’s mouth can contain different bacteria that can spread throughout the body.
Bottom line? Always seek the attention of a physician after a dog bite. A doctor will also put your injury on record, thereby supporting your claim.
Not Reporting the Attack – Some dog bite victims are so traumatized by the incident that reporting what happened to animal control or the police somehow slips their mind. Sometimes the dog owner will ask the victim not to report the bite in exchange for paying all medical bills. While that may seem like a fair deal, there’s nothing you can do when they renege from the deal.
Bottom line? Report the incident to the authorities, which will serve as insurance. This will also put liability of the accident on paper.
If you need legal representation after a dog bite or attack, don’t hesitate to call the offices of Barrus Injury Lawyers. Call our San Antonio dog bite lawyers to schedule a FREE consultation.
