Common Mistakes People Make After a Dog Bite or Dog Attack

Dog attacks can happen in an instant, and they can cause severe physical and emotional harm to dog bite victims. What the person does immediately following the attack can make a big difference in regard to how much compensation they can recover. 

Many people bitten make common errors after a dog attack that can hurt their health, safety, and chances of getting compensation.

Tom Fowler Law is a law firm in Des Moines that has worked with many people who were bitten by dogs, and they understand the trauma these people are going through. By avoiding some of the most common errors following a dog bite, people can get the settlement they deserve. They can also keep with explaining common mistakes after a truck accident.

Failing to Seek Medical Attention After a Dog Bite Injury

A dog bite can lead to a puncture wound that can become infected, cause permanent nerve damage, and even come with the risk of rabies. Following a dog bite, it's important to seek medical attention immediately, even if the injury doesn't seem severe. When a person goes to the hospital or medical center for an injury like this, it starts the paper trail needed for both health and legal documentation. This information is very important in a lawsuit, as the injury must be linked to the bite.

Failing to Identify the Dog and Its Owner After a Terrifying Dog Attack

When a bite occurs, it's very important to get the name of the dog's owner, their address, and contact info. This information is important because knowing the dog's vaccination history will affect medical treatment decisions. It's best to get this information at the scene of the attack and before heading to the emergency room when injured. This information will be very important if the person wants to make a claim later. 

Admitting Fault is a Common Mistake

Many people attacked will admit fault to the dog owners, such as if they approached the dog without asking permission or if they were doing something to provoke the dog when the dog bit them. This can flip the script, and the victim could be found liable in this case instead of strict liability falling on the owner. 

Not Reporting the Bite - Always Report the Attack

Another error that victims may make after an attack occurs is not reporting the bite to local authorities, including police and local animal control. Making a report, however, creates an official record of the incident, which is important in the legal process. It also helps to identify any dangerous dogs in the area, and this can help prevent any future attacks. These reports, along with medical records, will help to support any legal action that might come in the future. 

Not Preserving Evidence - Always Document the Incident

It's also very important to take photos and videos of the location of the attack and any injuries, torn clothing, the dog, itself, and anything else that might be important. If it occurred on the pet owner's property, they may give a victim a hard time doing this, but it's an important piece of evidence. If personal items were damaged during the attack, such as clothing or something like a cell phone that was broken, those items should be saved as well. Also, many dog bite victims fail to check for eyewitnesses, but witness statements can also be solid evidence in these cases.

Washing Away or Not Documenting Wounds Before Treatment 

Wounds due to a dog bite will heal over time, but it's important for a case to show what the bites looked like immediately after the attack. Since it's important to always get medical attention, a medical professional might take photos of the wounds before treatment. There is always the risk of infection when dealing with a traumatic wound, and cleaning the area is important, too. However, it's always best to document wounds, along with the date of the photo, to assist with financial recovery. 

Speaking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Advice

Oftentimes, the insurance company of the dog owner will contact the victim with a settlement. However, almost 100% of the time, the settlement is much lower than the claim is worth. Because of this, it's very important to never speak to an insurance company unless you are working with a dog bite attorney and they can see the offer, too. They can also consult on common mistakes after a bike accident.

Not Following Doctor’s Orders or Missing an Appointment for Medical Care

Following an injury and medical examination, there may be situations where the doctor will suggest further treatment with a specialist or other type of therapy. If the doctor suggests this, and it's in the medical records, but the person doesn't take this step, it could be used against them in a suit. Even if a victim doesn't feel like further medical interaction is necessary, they may need to attend for the best possible outcome in the case. 

Waiting Too Long to Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer

Following an injury, it's best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The dog owner's insurance company will have a lawyer, and a victim should, too. Attorneys will help to support the person who was bitten and help to mitigate any losses. Most of the attorneys in this type of law offer free consultations, so it's always a good idea to make an appointment to see if there is a possible case. It may be beneficial to consult the best dog bite attorneys in Des Moines.

Avoid Common Mistakes - Hire an Attorney Who Knows Dog Bite Law in Iowa

A personal injury attorney is very important when dealing with a dog bite incident. A dog bite may cause serious damage to the body and the mind. Because of this, the attorney-client relationship is very important, and filing a lawsuit is the best way to cover any expenses, like medical bills, which are associated with the incident. 

Tom Fowler Law is a dog bite attorney in Des Moines who will help protect your rights during this process. Call now for a free consultation  and protect your well-being.