Dogs are considered man's best friend, but you must always remember that they are still instinctively animals. Regardless of how much their owners trained them, any dog has the potential to bite any person at any time. Whenever interacting with dogs, it is important to remember this simple fact and use the appropriate amount of caution. A dog may attack you or someone you know with no forewarning, even while in a safe environment.
In 2014 alone, 44 Americans received fatal wounds from dogs, according to a recent statistical report published by DogsBite.org. Will you be prepared if you become a victim of a dog attack? Follow these steps to ensure you handle the situation properly.
1. Check on the Injured
Immediately following the attack, the most important thing to do is to assess the wound received by you or someone you know (assuming it is safe to do so). Superficial wounds, such as a scrape or shallow gash, only need to be cleaned and bandaged, with no need for professional medical attention. Deep puncture wounds and laceration, on the other hand, may require you to call emergency aid, especially if the wound is on the head or around the neck. If possible, take a few pictures of the wound with your camera or phone to serve as evidence for compensation in the future.
2. Call Animal Control or Get Information from the Owner
After the medical situation is assessed, the dog must be dealt with. Do not try to handle or control the dog yourself, as this can lead to more wounds. Instead, call your local animal control service, as they are specially trained to capture aggressive dogs. If the owner of the dog is present, exchange information with them for future reference. Be sure to document a name, phone number, and addresses of the owner as well as any witnesses of the attack.
3. Contact an Attorney
Once the dog is under control and the medical situation is resolved, it is absolutely essential to contact an experienced attorney to exercise your personal injury rights. Under the Texas law, a dog owner who is negligent in controlling their dog may be held liable. You may be entitled to both medical and psychological compensation. At Colley & Colley, we handle dog bite cases with professional knowledge and experience. If you or someone you know was injured by a dog bite, contact Colley & Colley today and let us fight for your rights.
15511 W Highway 71
Suite 110-142
Austin, TX 78738
(512) 477-2001
512-477-3335
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