For many people, a dog attack is their worst fear come true. And unfortunately, these attacks are all too common, injuring thousands of people each year. Dogs are often considered “man’s best friend,” but when they turn on their owners or innocent bystanders, the results can be devastating. Injuries can range from minor lacerations to severe disfigurement and even death. From seeking medical attention to finding a Chicago dog bite attorney, keep reading to learn what to do if you are attacked by a dog.
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Seek medical attention.
If you have been injured in a dog attack, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Dog bites can cause serious injuries, and in some cases, they can even be life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries associated with dog bites include:
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Bruising
- Muscle tears
- Bone fractures
In addition to seeking medical help, it is also important to take steps to protect yourself from further injury. This includes washing the wound with soap and water, applying pressure on the wound to stop the bleeding, and putting a bandage over the wound. There is also a chance that you will need to undergo rabies treatment. Rabies is a deadly virus that is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. If left untreated, rabies can be fatal.
Find a personal injury lawyer.
If you have been the victim of a dog attack, you may be feeling frightened, confused, and alone. You may not know where to turn for help. A personal injury lawyer can help you after a dog attack. First, a personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim with the dog’s owner’s insurance company. This claim can help you recover the costs of medical bills, property damage, and other expenses related to the attack. A personal injury lawyer can also help you file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner if you’ve suffered serious injuries in the attack. This lawsuit can help you recover damages for things like pain and suffering, lost income, and emotional distress. If you’ve been the victim of a dog attack, don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer for help. They can guide you through the process and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact animal control.
By law, the animal control agency in your area is responsible for investigating dog bites and determining whether the dog involved in the attack should be quarantined or euthanized. Animal control will also work to find the owner of the dog and may pursue criminal charges against the owner depending on the circumstances of the attack. If you are the owner of a dog that has attacked someone, it is important to cooperate with animal control and take any necessary steps to ensure the safety of the community. You may also be liable for any injuries or damages caused by your dog.
Protect yourself from future attacks.
There are a few things you can do to help protect yourself from future dog attacks. First, try to stay aware of your surroundings and be aware of any dogs that may be in the area. If you see a dog coming toward you, try to stay calm and back away slowly. If the dog starts to attack, try to use whatever objects are around you to protect yourself. If there is nothing around you, try to curl into a ball and protect your head and face. Finally, if all else fails, try to scream and get help.
Overall, it is important to take the necessary steps after being attacked by a dog in order to ensure your safety and health. This includes seeking medical attention if necessary, reporting the attack to authorities, and taking steps to protect yourself from future attacks.
When dogs attack
It’s important to remember that the majority of the millions of dogs don’t bite. For the dogs that do attack, it’s usually because they are acting on fear or anxiety rather than aggression.
In the centuries since we first domesticated and trained dogs to be our pets and companions, we’ve shaped their natural behaviour so they can share our lives, homes and environment. But we can’t breed or train out all of a dog’s natural instincts: many will protect their space – and will escalate their response if they feel threatened.
Researchers have found 80% of occupational bites occurred during mail delivery, vet or kennel work, or caring for people who have dogs. In high-risk settings, specialist equipment like an air blaster might be used during an attack. But the general public don’t have access to these.
3 things to do if someone else is being attacked by a dog
Many people picture specific dog breeds as aggressive and more likely to attack, but this is an unhelpful stereotype. The truth is, any type of dog can bite. Here’s what to do:
* Keep yourself safe. If you intervene, you might get bitten
* Distract the dog (call out from a safe distance, beep your car horn, spray the animal with a hose if there’s one handy and it’s safe to do so) call for emergency medical care if necessary.
There are also two important things to do after a dog attack:
* Provide medical attention. Every dog bite will need medical attention, to treat injury and to prevent infection
* Report it. Most local councils also require every dog attack be reported. Local authorities may collect evidence, interview witnesses and follow up. They might impose a dangerous dog order or tell the owner to install or repair fencing. Roaming dogs can also be reported and picked up by authorities.
What if the dog is attacking you?
If you see a dog that looks agitated and is running towards you, the most important thing is not to react or scream. Stay calm and avoid eye contact. Move away (out of their space) as calmly and slowly as possible.
If a dog is attacking in full flight, best to stay upright, remain still and call for help. If you have time, placing something between you and them (a clipboard, jacket, wheelie bin) can help. If you end up on the ground, curl up into a ball as tightly as possible.