Even though dogs are cute and cuddly, you should not forget that the littlest things can trigger them. It would cause them to snap and bite those around them. Dog bites are unexpected and painful experiences.

In Maryland, there is a law guiding dog bites. The Code of Maryland section 3-1901 declares that “The owner of a dog is responsible for any injury, death, or loss to a person or property caused by the dog when the dog is running at large.”

In this article, we would be walking you through the steps you should take after a dog you do not know bites you. If you or anyone you know was bitten by a dog, you need to hire a capable Maryland dog bite lawyer to help you with your case.

Five Steps To Take After a Dog Bite

After a dog bites you, the steps you take could play major roles in determining your recovery from the injuries and getting your compensation. We would be discussing five essential actions you have to take after a dog bite.

• Identify the Dog’s Owner and Get Their Contact Information

When a dog bites you, the first thing you should do is find the owner of the dog. It would help if you did this because they would provide details about the dog’s vaccinations and rabies shots.

When you find out the dog’s owner, you should exchange contact information with them. This information should include the owner’s name, contact address, phone number, and insurance information.

• Seek Medical Attention

There are times you would need to administer first aid treatment before you proceed to the hospital. Other times, it might be crucial to get the paramedics to the scene as soon as possible.

Some of the first aid treatments you can give to the dog bite area include washing the wound, slowing the bleeding, etc. It would help if you also tried to watch out for any signs of infection like redness, swelling, discoloration, etc.

After the first aid treatment, you should head to the hospital for further treatment. The doctor could recommend antibiotics, rabies shots, or even stitches. Make sure you follow your doctor’s orders and directives to get a speedy recovery.

• Document the Incident

In your documentation, talk about all that happened before, during, and after the dog attacked you. You should give full details of the dog bite to your attorney, but not the insurance company; they may try to use your statement against you.

If your injury involves a physical deformation, you need to take periodic photographs of the damage. You can also take pictures of the scene of the attack. Pictures would help to eliminate whatever doubt the court or jury might have when you present your case.

Medical records and police reports are vital documents that you need to provide as proof to the court. Documentation is very crucial in ensuring you get the full compensation for your injuries.

• Report the Dog Bite

If a dog you don’t know bites you, you need to report the incident to two major authorities. The first is the police, while the second is animal control. If you were unable to track down the owner of the dog, animal control is responsible for determining if the animal has rabies or not.

When you contact the police, they will file a report. This report would be very useful if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner. Reporting the case to the police would also ensure the dog’s owner takes the appropriate steps to prevent the dog from biting other people.

• Talk to Eyewitnesses

An eyewitness would provide a more accurate description of what happened during the dog attack. Therefore, it is important that before you leave the scene, you should get the contact details of as many eyewitnesses as possible. These witnesses can testify during the lawsuit or insurance claim. Getting eyewitnesses would give your case a boost.

Speak With a Dog Bite Lawyer From Pinder Plotkin, LLC, Today!

Another important step you must take after a dog bite is to contact a dog bite lawyer. Pinder Plotkin, LLC, is a personal injury law firm in Baltimore, Maryland. Our team is full of hard-working dog bite attorneys that would go the extra mile to ensure our clients get the settlement they deserve.

With us, you do not have to add the extra stress of lawyer fees because we offer free consultations to our clients. Additionally, we are available 24/7 to provide advice and attend to your needs. So, what is the delay? Contact us today to get started.