What To Do if You’ve Been Bitten By a Dog

Dog owners have a duty to control their pets and ensure they do not harm others. Unfortunately, pets are not always supervised properly and dog attacks occur.

Dog bites can cause serious injuries. Victims can suffer nerve damage, permanent scarring, infections, long-term psychological trauma, and other consequences. In rare cases, dog bites can be fatal.

The Wisconsin dog bite lawyers at Studinski Law, LLC have helped the wrongfully injured in Plover, Marshfield, and other areas for decades. We know the physical, financial, and emotional strains a canine attack can inflict on victims and their families. Our legal team is dedicated to helping our clients recover the full and fair compensation to which they may be entitled under the law.

7 Steps to Take if You’ve Been Bitten By a Dog

After suffering injuries in a dog attack, there are some important steps you should take promptly. For example, in the aftermath of being bitten by a dog, it is important to:  

1. Take Care of the Wound

One of the biggest risks associated with dog bites is the risk of infection. With this in mind, it is important to thoroughly clean the wound and bandage it as soon as possible.

• Wash the wound using warm tap water and mild soap for 5 to 10 minutes
• Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth
• Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic cream 
• Apply a sterile bandage that completely covers the wound 
• Keep the bandage on until you see your doctor

2. See a Doctor Promptly 

Due to the various risks associated with dog bite wounds, it is important to see a doctor promptly. Along with infections, dog bites can also cause severe traumatic injuries such as nerve damage, ruptured ligaments and tendons, and even broken bones. Your doctor should perform a thorough physical exam and order the scans and tests needed to provide a comprehensive diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

3. Monitor for Signs of Infection

Once you return home from the doctor’s office, you should monitor for signs of infection. If you notice swelling, redness, inflammation, or worsening pain that radiates from the area of your bite wound, you may need additional medical attention. 

4. Monitor for Other Symptoms and Effects 

In addition to monitoring for signs of infection, it is important to monitor for other symptoms and effects as well. While your doctor should have provided a comprehensive diagnosis, in some cases, a doctor may have missed something. In some cases, the effects of trauma can develop gradually in the days or weeks following a dog attack as well. 

5. Document Your Dog Bite Injuries and Their Effects

For purposes of seeking financial compensation, you should thoroughly document your dog bite injuries. This means taking photos of your injuries as soon after the attack as possible, ensuring that you have copies of your scans and medical records, and recording all of the various ways your injuries impact your daily life. This includes everything from missing time at work to being unable to enjoy spending time with friends and family.  

6. Write Down Everything You Remember About the Attack 

While the attack is still fresh in your mind, you should write down everything you can remember. Where did the attack happen? What were you doing when the dog approached you? Was the owner present? If so, what did the owner say or do after the attack? These are all details your lawyer will want to know. 

7. Get a Free Consultation from a Wisconsin Dog Bite Lawyer 

Given the potential for significant and long-term costs (both financial and non-financial), it is important that you speak with a dog bite lawyer about your legal rights. You can get a free consultation to find out if you have a claim; and, if you do have a claim, you won’t have to pay anything unless your lawyer helps you recover just compensation. 

What Not To Do After a Dog Attack in Wisconsin

In addition to taking the steps we listed above, there are some mistakes you should try to avoid after being bitten by a dog as well. These include:

• Do Not Ignore Your Injuries – Prompt treatment is critical after a serious dog attack. Not only could your medical condition worsen, but failing to seek prompt treatment could create challenges for your claim as well. 
• Do Not Ignore Your Legal Rights – Dog bite victims have clear legal rights under Wisconsin law. If you have a claim, you could be entitled to significant financial compensation. 
• Do Not Rely On Myths or Flawed Assumptions – There are a lot of misconceptions about dog bite claims in Wisconsin. Rather than relying on myths or flawed assumptions, you should seek personalized legal advice from an experienced lawyer. 
• Do Not Let the Insurance Company Take Advantage of You – Unfortunately, insurance companies frequently engage in bad faith practices when dealing with dog bite claims. You will need to be very careful to make sure the dog owner’s insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you. 
• Do Not Live with Unnecessary Consequences – You don’t have to live with the consequences of someone else’s failure to control their dog. With professional help, you can get both the treatment you need and the compensation you deserve. 

Speak with a Wisconsin Dog Bite Lawyer for Free

If you were attacked by someone’s pet, you may be facing high medical bills, severe pain, and lost wages. The Wisconsin dog bite lawyers at Studinski Law, LLC can help. We have built a reputation for excellence in a range of personal injury cases, and we are committed to helping our clients recover the maximum compensation they deserve.

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Contact our office today at (715) 343-2850 or online for a free case review. We serve clients in Marshfield, Plover, and all areas of Wisconsin.