Dog Bite Checklist

Dog Bite Lawyers in Philadelphia & New Jersey

Checklist: What You Should do if Bitten by a Dog

If you are bitten by someone else’s dog, there are a number of immediate steps you should take to protect your rights and support any subsequent insurance and legal proceedings. Here’s a checklist of things you should do if you experience a dog bite accident:

• Clean the bite wound with soap and water as soon as possible.
• Get the dog owner’s name and contact information and request proof of rabies vaccination.
• Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
• Consult your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if necessary. Follow all directions of your physician, take prescribed medications and go to all follow-up appointments.
• Take good photos of injuries and any torn/bloody clothing immediately after the incident. Continue to take photos during recovery, which visually demonstrate the pain and difficulty of the process.
• Report the incident to the animal control agency in your jurisdiction.
• Consult with a personal injury lawyer in New Jersey who handles dog bites. An experienced attorney will help you with the following:
  • Investigate your case to determine negligence and liability.
  • Handle all details of the case and advise you about your options.
  • Ensure that you recover the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. Almost all cases can be settled without going to trial.