Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Atlanta
Dogs often bring great joy to our lives. We consider them family members and truly cherish them. However, when they bite others, they can cause serious injuries as well as hefty medical bills and pain and suffering. To protect your rights and health after a dog bite in Atlanta, we encourage you to follow the steps below.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Atlanta, reach out to our highly skilled Atlanta dog bite lawyers at Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers. You can count on us to investigate your case and ensure your rights are protected. Call us at (404) 939-9470 today or use our online contact form.
Most Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can result in serious injuries that can require ongoing medical attention and leave victims out of work. Some of these injuries include:
- Cuts, scratches, and lacerations that become infected
- Rabies transmission
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma (PTSD)
What to Do After an Atlanta Dog Bite
After an Atlanta dog bite, you’ll likely feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. By following these steps, you can hold the owner accountable for your injury and move forward with your life.
1. Treat the Wound
If your wound is minor or moderate, you may be able to apply immediate first aid yourself. Right after you get bit, press on the wound gently so you can flush out as much bacteria as possible. Then, wash the wound out with a bit of soap and warm water. Once you’ve washed it, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic cream and use a sterile bandage to wrap the wound. Make sure you change the bandage every few hours until you visit the doctor.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think your wound is no big deal or you can take care of it on your own, it’s essential to go to the doctor. After taking a close look at your wound, they can inform you whether or not it’s infected and prescribe antibiotics, stitches, and/or a booster shot if necessary. They may also clean your wound.
3. Report the Dog Bite
Instead of keeping the incident to yourself, it’s important to inform the public that the dog bite has occurred. That way, you can reduce the risk of others in Atlanta being bit by the same dog. You can report your bite to the police and/or the Fulton County Animal Services Officers at 404-613-0358.
4. Collect Contact Information
Ask the dog owner for their name and phone number. In addition, find out as much as you can about the dog itself. Get to know its breed as well as its history and whether it has bitten others in the past.
5. Gather Evidence
Take photos of your wound and the dog, if you can. Also, be sure to keep the clothing you wore at the time of the incident and jot down the specifics of what happened. That way, you have valuable evidence in the event that you decide to pursue a claim.
6. Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney
You deserve fair and full compensation for your dog bite and the damages it has causes. Therefore, it only makes sense to seek skilled legal representation from an experienced dog bite lawyer. They can inform you of who is liable and guide you through the process of filing a claim against the negligent party.
Bit By a Dog in Atlanta? Contact Graham Scofield Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been bit by a dog in Atlanta, consult our Atlanta dog bite lawyers as soon as possible. We are well-versed in Atlanta dog bite laws and can help you obtain the justice you deserve. Call us today at (404) 939-9470 or use our online contact form.