Dogs are domesticated animals, and they are generally pleasant and safe to be around. However, it is important to remember that dogs are still animals and can therefore be unpredictable.
If your dog bites someone, then this could be a very unexpected event. When you are not expecting this to happen, the shock can make it all the more difficult to know what to do. The following advice will equip you to always deal with a dog bite in the most efficient and helpful way.
When Your Dog Bites Someone
If you are out walking your dog and your dog bites a human, then the first thing you should do is get your animal under control. You should put your dog on the leash and make sure the leash is securely fastened. Ask someone to hold the leash or tie it to a nearby bench or fence. The important thing is that the dog is contained out of the way and cannot cause any further harm.
You should then assess the condition of the bite victim. If this is not a serious bite, you will want to encourage the person to wash their wound with clean water. They can then dress the wound with a bandage or band-aid if it feels necessary.
If the bite is quite serious, then you should help this person to wash the wound and then seek immediate professional medical attention.
During this time, make sure you do not admit that the incident was your fault. You should also not try to lay blame for the incident on the bite victim. Remain neutral and concentrate only on dealing with any immediate medical needs.
What Happens Next?
The following step in dealing with the dog bite is to decide what will happen next. If the victim is happy not to take the incident any further, then that is great. However, they may want to exchange information with the intent of possibly taking legal action against you.
If you feel as though this is going to be the case, be sure to reach out to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The Brown and Crouppen Kansas City office is open 24/7 to discuss your case. Brown & Crouppen are experts in personal injury law and will be able to help you and your dog.
The Law
It is likely that you will need to show proof that your animal has been vaccinated for rabies in the event of a bite. For this reason, you should always make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date.
If the victim does decide to sue you, and your dog is deemed to be dangerous, then it is likely that the dog will be euthanized. You may also face criminal charges and be held personally responsible.
Seeking the advice of an attorney as soon as possible should help you to get ahead of these charges and to be prepared for all eventualities.
Preventing Dog Bites
Preventing your dog from biting someone should always be a priority.
Train your dog to be friendly and make sure they are under control at all times.
