Dog bite injuries can be severe. An attack could leave the victim with everything from deep puncture wounds to torn flesh, and worse. It is important to first know how to treat dog bite injuries, before thinking about legal action.
If you have been bitten by a dog in California and need representation, contact the experienced dog bite attorneys of Bisnar Chase. We have collected over $750 million for our clients and have been serving communities across California since 1978. Call (800) 561-4887 for a free consultation.
Dog bite prevention is something we all need to learn and remember. Especially in the event of a large breed dog bite which can cause significant damage. Dog attacks can result in significant physical injuries including lacerations that cause heavy bleeding. There is no question that a dog bite victim needs prompt medical attention. If you witness a dog bite or dog attack, it is important that you call 911 and get emergency personnel on the scene right away.
Children are especially vulnerable to dog bites, as are seniors. Dog bites can result in deep wounds, massive infection, and possibly rabies. There are steps that can be taken soon after a dog attack in terms of first-aid.
First Aid for Dog Bites
Here's what you can do immediately after a dog bite incident:
- Use soap and water to wash the wound.
- Keep the injury elevated above the level of the heart to slow swelling and prevent infection.
- Apply pressure with a clean towel to the injured part to stop the bleeding.
- Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.
- Report the incident to the proper authority in your community such as the police department or animal control.
- Apply antibiotic ointment to the area two times every day until it heals.
You should call a doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
- You have any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, increased tenderness, oozing of pus from the wound, or fever.
- You have a dog bite on your hand, foot, or head, or you have a bite that is deep or gaping.
- You have bleeding that hasn’t stopped after 15 minutes of pressure or you think you may have a broken bone, nerve damage, or another serious injury.
- You have diabetes, liver or lung disease, cancer, have an immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), or other conditions that weaken your ability to fight infection.
- You got your last tetanus shot more than five years ago. If so, you may need a booster shot.
How Will the Doctor Treat My Dog Bite Wounds?
- Clean the wound with a special solution and remove any damaged tissue.
- Examine the wound for possible nerve or tendon damage, or bone injury. He or she will also check for signs of infection.
- They might use stitches to close a bite wound, but often the wound is left open to heal, so the risk of infection is lowered.
- Your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection.
- They might give you a tetanus shot if you had your last shot more than five years ago.
- They might ask you to schedule an office visit to check your wound again in one to two days.
If your injury is severe, or if the infection has not gotten better even though you’re taking antibiotics, your doctor may suggest that you see a specialist and/or go to the hospital, where you can get special medicine given directly in your veins (intravenous antibiotics) and further treatment if necessary.
Legal Information for Dog Bite Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, the experienced California dog bite lawyers at Bisnar Chase can help you better understand your legal rights for dog bites. We will help you pursue maximum compensation for the injuries, damages, and losses you have sustained. Contact us for a free legal consultation and to find out if you are entitled to fair compensation for your injuries.
