Disaster can strike when you least expect it, and it can happen right in your own front yard. Dog bites are a serious injury that can lead to lifelong disfigurement and cause extreme emotional stress. Some dog bites can even kill a person if human intervention is not done. Here’s what to do if you are bitten by a dog:
After a Dog Attack
The first and most important thing to remember in a dog attack is to get yourself or the victim to safety. Get them away from the dog as quickly as possible. Alert the police to attack as soon as you can, whether it is when you are safely away from the dog or if you require immediate assistance to escape the attack. Hopefully an onlooker will call the police on your behalf. You may also require an ambulance if the attack was severe. If the owner of the dog is nearby, be certain to make as much noise as possible to alert them to the attack, as they may be able to call their dog off more successfully than you.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or your family member is the victim of a dog bite it is imperative that you contact a lawyer immediately. In Ontario, the dog owner is liable for any damage their dog causes. This means that the owner of the dog is responsible for any bills associated with the attack. It is not limited to medical bills for rehabilitation from the initial injury. Oftentimes victims of dog attacks feel emotional distress long after the attack and may require therapy in order to help them cope.
It is important that you involve your lawyer after a dog attack because you will need someone to fight for your rights and ensure you are paid a fair settlement. A dog has the ability to leave you quite disfigured, depending on the severity of the bite. This could lead to reconstructive surgery which results in time off work for recovery. A lawyer will ensure that you are financially covered by the dog’s owner through all areas of healing and any necessary medical treatments.
Surviving a dog attack can be scary and traumatizing. You don’t have to go through the aftermath alone, let your personal injury lawyer guide you through the necessary healing steps and ensure you are properly compensated.