If a Dog Bites You, Do These Five Things Right Away

Dog bites in Illinois are extremely common. The Prairie State is governed by strict liability laws when it comes to dog bites, which means victims do not have to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog owner knew of the dog’s violent history in order to pursue damages. Still, it is not always easy to claim the damages you deserve after a dog bite or attack, so it is important to take the below five steps right away after a bite.

Know How to Protect Yourself

During a dog bite or attack, you may want to protect yourself, but you may also be scared of hurting the dog. Or, you may be so desperate to protect yourself you do not give a second thought to the dog. The most important thing to remember is that you should protect yourself at all costs. Under Illinois law, you can take whatever steps necessary, such as throwing something at the dog, to protect yourself or a loved one from a dog bite or attack.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

In any personal injury case, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible, and this holds true for dog bite cases, as well. Immediate medical treatment at the scene may include wrapping gauze around the wound to stop the bleeding. Still, you should always also visit an emergency room at a hospital so a doctor can examine your wounds and mitigate the injuries you sustained.

Follow the Doctor’s Recommendations

After visiting the doctor, they will likely make many recommendations for treating the wound and taking care of your health. It is imperative that you follow all of these recommendations exactly as the doctor suggests. It is the only way to make sure you get back to good health as soon as possible. Also, the insurance company may delay or deny your claim if you do not follow the recommendations of the doctor.

Report the Attack

As soon as you have sought medical treatment, the next step is to report the bite or attack to Animal Control. It is essential that you report the bite or attack for several reasons. The first is to help prevent the same thing from happening to someone else. In some cases, Animal Control may deem a dog dangerous and pose certain restrictions on the owner to protect the public. A licensed healthcare professional can also test the dog for certain diseases after you have reported the bite. Reporting the bite or attack is also important for any legal case you may file in the future and can serve as useful evidence.

Contact Our Illinois Dog Bite Lawyers

If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, our Streator dog bite lawyers are here to help. At Brassfield & Krueger, Ltd., our knowledgeable attorneys can advise on all the necessary steps to take and help you claim the full damages you deserve. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free case review and to learn more about how we can help.