Dog Bites: What should I do?

DOG BITE: WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Seek medical attention. Dog bites can involve puncture wounds from fangs, which can easily become infected. Infection can occur even with scrapes and abrasions. An infected wound can result in a worse scar, and may cause serious complications and side effects. If you delay treatment, it may not be possible to suture your wounds, which could increase the severity of scarring and complicate your recovery.
Try to identify the dog. In the rare event that the dog has rabies, it’s important to receive the appropriate vaccines.
Report the incident to the police and request a copy of the police report for your records.
Don't argue with the dog owner. Many dog owners simply won't believe that their dog would bite.
Don't sign papers or make recorded statements. It is possible that the dog owner, property owner, or their insurance company will try to get you to make a statement, in writing or on tape, about what happened.
Don’t sign papers, make recorded statements (written or on tape) or accept a claim even if an insurance company offers to write you a check. Their goal is probably to get you to make statements, which help them avoid their liability for your injuries. And, insurance companies are notorious for making low settlement offers to those not represented.
Contact Schwebel, Goetz & Sieben immediately following an auto accident at 1-800-752-4265 to learn your legal rights and receive the just compensation you deserve.