To file a claim for a dog bite injury, gather all evidence including a medical report detailing your treatment. Obtain the dog owner's contact information, along with the dog's name and breed. Document the incident by taking photos of the dog and reporting the event to the police.
First, one should stay calm to avoid panic. The wound should then be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water, and pressure should be applied using a clean cloth to control bleeding. Applying antibiotic ointment and a bandage can help prevent infection. Seek medical help for severe wounds.
Typically, the dog owner is held liable for any damages caused by their pet. However, these costs are most often covered by the owner's homeowner's insurance, alleviating the financial burden directly from the individual.
Dog owners can defend themselves in dog bite lawsuits by displaying proper warning signs, proving the victim provoked the dog, showing the victim was trespassing, demonstrating lack of prior knowledge of the dog's aggressiveness, or establishing that the victim assumed the risk.
