There are over 77.5 million owned dogs in the United States, and California is the leading state for dog ownership. Over 39% of the households in California have at least one dog in them. It’s safe to say that people in California really love and enjoy having their furry friends. Dogs are often said to be man’s best friend and most owners consider them to be apart from their family. While dogs are great companions they are sometimes unpredictable and it’s very possible for a dog to lash out. You can be visiting a friend or even out in public and experience someone’s dog acting aggressively towards you. It’s important to be cautious when around other people’s dogs because you never know when a dog could possibly attack you or cause you harm. Even something as simple as a dog jumping up on you and causing you to fall and hurt yourself is not uncommon. If you’ve been injured or attacked because of someone’s dog here’s what you should do.
Remove Yourself From the Danger
If you are in danger and were just attacked by someone’s dog, the first thing you should do is remove yourself from the danger. Because dogs can be unpredictable it’s best to leave to a safe area so that the dog doesn’t the ability to attack again. Once you are in a safe place call the police and animal control so that you can receive emergency assistance for your dog bite and report the incident. Animal control can ensure the owner takes the necessary steps to prevent another incident like the one you experience.
Seek Medical Attention
A majority of people who are attacked or injured by a dog don’t seek medical help. It’s important to go to a doctor and get treated for any injuries you may have. If you’ve been bitten it’s also recommended that you get tested to ensure the dog didn’t have rabies or something that could cause an infection. This is especially important if the owner can not produce proof of vaccinations. Be sure to keep any documentation including hospital bills, test results, etc.
Contact A Lawyer
If you have been attacked or injured by someone’s dog you should get in touch with a lawyer. Speaking with a lawyer can help you get compensated for your injuries. Some pet owners have insurance policies but that’s not always the case. Either way, a lawyer can walk you through the process of filing a claim, or filing a lawsuit depending on the nature of the incident.
When you’re around or meeting other people’s dog you should always be cautious. We love pets but must always remember they are still animals and have the ability to attack or injure us at any time. If you’ve been attacked or injured by someone’s dog make sure to follow these tips, and give us a call at 949-409-4299 and we will handle the rest.
