Getting bitten or attacked by a dog is a terrifying experience that can cause serious physical injury, as well as emotional trauma. After a dog bite, you should follow a number of steps to treat your wound so that you can potentially minimize the physical damage caused by your injury. These include the following:
Minor Dog Bite (Barely Breaks Through The Skin)
- Immediately wash the wound using soap and water. Let warm water run over the wound for a few minutes.
- Use antibiotic ointment on the wound, and continue doing this each day so that you can avoid infection.
- Cover with a clean bandage.
- Keep the wounded area elevated.
- If you have not received a tetanus shot within the past five years, you should see a doctor right away in case there is any risk of rabies.
Serious Dog Bites
- Have someone immediately call an ambulance if the injury is severe.
- Use a clean, dry cloth to cover the injury and place pressure on it in order to stop the bleeding.
- See a doctor immediately, and be prepared to answer questions about the dog that bite you and how the accident occurred.
- Follow your doctor's medical advice and make sure to show up for any follow-up appointments.
- Contact a personal injury attorney!
If the bite dog bite victim has not had a tetanus shot within the past five years, that individual may have to get a booster shot in order to protect himself or herself from the possibility of rabies. Other signs that a bite victim needs to see a doctor include the following: the wound is deep, the wound later becomes more painful, the wound appears to be infected or the victim experiences other alarming symptoms (such as a fever).
After a severe dog bite in the Modesto, California area, it is vital that you speak with a skilled Modesto personal injury lawyer. Serious injuries can result in expensive medical costs, such as ambulance rides, emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitative costs and more. They can also cause damages such as lost wages (from the victim being out of work) and physical pain and suffering. In most cases, the owner of the dog will be liable to pay for these personal injury costs. Contact the Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis as soon as possible after your dog bite so we can get an immediate start in protecting your rights as an injury victim!