Dog attacks are not only extremely physically painful, but they also result in months or years of trauma. They are incredibly jarring and potentially devastating events. That said, if possible, there are certain steps you should take after a dog bite both to ensure you get the necessary medical treatment and to maximize your chances of winning compensation in a personal injury claim later on. Continue reading and reach out to a seasoned Union County personal injury lawyer to learn more about what you need to do immediately after a dog bite and how The Mark Law Firm can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and need to heal. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What Should I Do First After a Dog Bite?

Rather obviously, your health and safety should be your primary concern immediately after any dog attack. Even if your injuries appear relatively minor at first, the truth is that dog bites can become significantly more serious in the hours and days that follow. Some of the first things you should do after a dog bite are as follows:

  • First, you should move away from the animal and ensure you are in a safe location where another attack cannot occur.
  • If your injuries are severe or you believe they may be life-threatening, you should immediately call 911 or seek emergency medical assistance.
  • If possible, you should gently wash the affected area with soap and warm water to help reduce the risk of infection.
  • You should apply a clean bandage or dressing to the wound, particularly if there is ongoing bleeding.
  • Most importantly, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not believe your injuries are particularly severe.

Many people are surprised to learn that even relatively small puncture wounds can result in significant complications. This is because bacteria can enter the body very quickly after a bite occurs, which can ultimately lead to infection if the injury is not properly treated. Some of the more common dog bite injuries can include the following:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Deep cuts and lacerations
  • Nerve damage
  • Tissue damage
  • Infection
  • Permanent scarring
  • Emotional trauma

This is especially true when children are involved, as dog attacks can often leave lasting emotional effects long after the physical injuries have healed.

What Information Should I Gather After a Dog Attack?

Once you have addressed your immediate medical needs, you should begin gathering as much information as possible regarding the incident itself. This can prove extremely important later on if you ultimately decide to pursue compensation for your injuries. Some of the most important information you should attempt to gather includes the following:

  • The dog owner’s name and contact information
  • The address where the attack occurred
  • Information regarding the dog’s vaccination history
  • Photographs of your injuries immediately following the attack
  • Pictures of the location where the incident occurred
  • Photographs of any damaged or bloodied clothing
  • The names and contact information of any witnesses
  • Copies of all medical records and medical bills associated with your treatment

You should also report the incident to local animal control authorities or law enforcement whenever possible. In many cases, an official report can become an important piece of evidence later on.

Additionally, while it is understandable that many people wish to remain polite following an attack, particularly if the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or family member, you should avoid discussing fault or minimizing your injuries at the scene. Statements made in the immediate aftermath of an accident can sometimes create unnecessary complications later.

Can I Recover Compensation After a Dog Bite in New Jersey?

Fortunately, in many cases, the answer to this question is yes.

Unlike certain states throughout the country that follow what is commonly referred to as a “one bite rule,” New Jersey generally follows a strict liability standard when it comes to dog bite injuries. Simply put, this means that an injured person often does not have to prove that the owner knew his or her dog had dangerous tendencies prior to the attack. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical treatment
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Ultimately, if you’ve been attacked by a dog, one of the most important things you can do is hire an experienced attorney who can work to gather and present evidence on your behalf to satisfy the burden of proof and win you the compensation you deserve. If you have additional questions or would like to speak with a seasoned attorney about your case, simply contact The Mark Law Firm for a free initial consultation today.