Dog bites can be traumatizing, especially if the victim has minimal information about the k9 that hurt them. Because of this, they may want to act fast as their injury could be critical.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 800,000 dog bites require extensive medical treatment every year. That means 1 out of every 69 Americans fall victim to such incidences annually.
WHAT VICTIMS SHOULD DO
While circumstances may vary, these are some steps victims can take to help them ease their pain and get the information they need:
- Apply first aid: After receiving a bite, victims may want to gently press on their wounds with a hot towel to get any unwanted bacteria out of their system. They may also want to wash the wound with soap and water and apply a clean cloth to stop the bleeding.
- Get information on its medical history: Obtaining these details can be especially important if the dog has an infectious disease. Victims can get them by exchanging contact information with the owner and the dog’s veterinarian.
- Document incident with local animal agencies: Victims and owners may want to contact their local animal control after exchanging info and applying first aid. Doing so could help prevent others from getting hurt in the future.
DOG BITES CAN BE COMMON
While many dogs are known to be harmless and playful, some may not be as docile and could cause substantial harm. Those severely injured because of a dog bite may want to seek legal counsel. An experienced and diligent attorney can help assess the pain and suffering caused by the injury and assist victims in receiving the proper compensation.