What to do After a Dog Bite
If you have been bitten by a dog, or your child has, you are probably still reeling from the incident. Dog bites are traumatic experiences. Now the event has passed, you might be left feeling angry and confused about what to do next.
To answer this question, we have put together a step-by-step guide, helping you understand what to do after a dog bite.
1. Seek medical attention
The most important thing is, of course, to seek medical attention. Dog bites can be serious. Even a seemingly superficial wound is prone to infection. Injuries that extend down into the muscle and deep tissue will require stitches. A vicious attack may even necessitate skin grafts or life-saving measures.
2. Get the owner’s name and contact details
Along with getting medical attention, the other priority is to get the dog owner’s name and contact details. Ideally, you will have obtained these details at the time of the incident. Dog walking areas are often frequented by the same people, so the owner might already be known to you. If not, we can conduct our own investigations to track down the necessary information.
3. Ask for the names and contact details of any witnesses
There may also have been witnesses who saw the dog attack happen. This could be people you were walking with, such as family and friends. Or it could be other dog walkers, hikers, mountain bikers, runners or anyone else in the area. If so, try to obtain their names and contact details. They can corroborate your story, providing a clear account of what happened.
4. Write down what happened
When you are able, write down everything you remember about the attack. This includes what the dog looked like, what the owner looked like, the location and how the events played out. You should also take photographs of your injuries.
5. File a police report
Then, use this information to file a police report. You can do this online or by calling your local RCMP office. The police will investigate the dog bite, and will be particularly interested to know whether the dog has bitten anyone else in the past. This is because there is a ‘one bite rule’ in British Columbia, meaning owners are not liable for the first attack, but will be responsible for any bites thereafter.
6. Contact Animal Control
You should also report the dog bite to Animal Control by calling 311. Animal Control will carry out their own investigation. Their aim is to establish whether the dog is a danger to the public. If so, Animal Control may request that the dog is destroyed. However, there will be a hearing at the Provincial Court first, during which the owner has the right to defend their dog’s actions.
7. Speak to our Vancouver personal injury lawyers
Finally, contact our Vancouver personal injury lawyers to discuss a compensation claim. If you have been bitten by a dog, or your child has, there could be grounds for legal action. This would ensure that compensation is awarded for your physical, psychological and financial damages. It also covers the cost of any treatment that is needed, such as skins grafts and rehabilitation.
Contact our dog bite lawyers
If you want to know whether you can claim compensation for a dog bite, please contact our Vancouver personal injury lawyers today. There are generally two reasons you can claim compensation for a dog bite: either, the dog has bitten some before and is known to be dangerous. Or, the owner was negligent and did not have the dog under control.
We can investigate whether either of these scenarios apply to your case. If so, we will work on your behalf, getting you the compensation you deserve.
To find out more about dog attacks and personal injury claims, contact us for a free consultation. Either fill in the free online enquiry form or call us on 604 684 0040.
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