Dog Bites Are Not Minor

Maybe you are walking along the street in your neighborhood, riding your bike, or getting out for that jog. As you are moving, you see that house that you don't really want to pass. You see it. The dog that lives there. The dog sees you and starts giving chase, and before you have a chance to react, you've been bitten. Perhaps the owner saw and reacted, or maybe they did not. Regardless, you are now injured.

A dog’s front teeth will grab and compress your tissue, and their smaller teeth can also tear your skin. The result is an open, jagged wound, so you need to immediately follow these 7 steps to care for the injury. 

1. Wash the wound. Use mild soap, and run warm tap water over it for five to 10 minutes.
2. Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth.
3. Apply over-the counter antibiotic cream if you have it.
4. Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage.
5. Keep the wound bandaged and see your doctor.
6. Change the bandage several times a day once your doctor has examined the wound.
7. Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased pain and fever.

The last step is the most important because, according to Cleveland Clinic emergency medicine physician Stephen Sayles III, MD, infection is the biggest danger from a dog bite. No matter what, make sure you see a doctor within eight hours of a dog bite, he says. Waiting longer raises your infection risk. If you have diabetes or are immunocompromised, your infection risk is even greater.

After that, you need to report the dog attack to animal control, identify any possible witnesses, and speak to a personal injury lawyer who has experience with cases that involve dog attacks.

Be sure to document the attack with photographs or a video recording. Take photos early and often with a cell phone or whatever you may have available. This will show the severity of the wound and can help during the case.

In Mansfield, Lima, Dayton and Columbus, the attorneys of Badnell & Dick, LPC stand ready to help you. Our attorneys will handle all telephone calls, correspondence and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. We will also find healthcare providers to treat your injuries. There is never a fee to you unless you are awarded a settlement for your case. You are entitled to aggressive representation to protect your rights.