Dogs have long been known as natural animal companions, or best friends, to many of us. Their unconditional love and loyalty are one of the big reasons why so many people have them as pets. However, not everyone has had good experiences with dogs. In fact, in 2016, State Farm insurance paid $6.4 million in damages in Indiana from dog bite claims. This places Indiana as 8th highest state for dog bite claims for State Farm insurance (note this does not include other insurance companies). Seeing that a dog bite or dog-related injury could happen to you, here are some tips that could help you handle that type of situation.
Pet or Stray?
One of the first actions you will need to take is to try to find the owner or person in custody of the dog that bit you. By finding the person, you can then get their contact information and have them confirm the dog received a rabies shot. If the person in custody of the dog does not own it, it will be important to get contact information for that person and the dog’s owner. If you cannot find the owner or person in custody of the dog, then you should seek medical attention and let the doctor know you were bitten by a stray animal.
Photograph Everything!
A picture is worth a thousand words, so be sure to take more than one. Your insurance company will most likely ask for visual proof of the incident. Be sure to take pictures of the environment and of the physical wound.
Seek Medical Attention
Seek a medical professional to examine the wound. Especially if the dog is a stray, there is a chance the animal has rabies. If not treated quickly, rabies can be fatal to humans. Another reason to seek medical care is to make sure you receive documentation of the type of injuries that occurred.
Animal Control
- It may also be beneficial for you to call your local animal control agency. It may be able to help you find the dog’s owner or vaccination information.
- It also wouldn’t hurt to consider seeking legal advice. Those who are bitten by dogs may be entitled to damages such as medical expenses, lost income, cosmetic surgery for scarring, and money to compensation you for pain and suffering.
*Please Note: This article contains legal information but should NOT be considered legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before you rely on this information.*
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