You wouldn’t want to get attacked by a dog, regardless of whether you like them. Unfortunately, dog bites occur more often than you may think. Dogs bite more than 4.5 million humans in the United States annually, and more than 800,000 of these seek medical care for the ensuing injuries.
You need to know what to do immediately after you or a loved one is bitten by a dog to stay healthy and protect your insurance claims. We’ve created a guide to handling dog bites, typical insurance coverage amounts and limitations, and important advice for making a dog bite claim.
What to Do After a Dog-Biting Incident
What’s most vital for you is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of avoiding complications such as infection or rabies. However, you can do a few things while waiting for medical assistance.
Washing the wound helps prevent infection from the bacteria in dog saliva. Once cleaned, keep the injury above your heart area, preventing infections from spreading into the bloodstream. Using gauze and medical tape is a great way to support the injured area and protect it from infection.
Applying antibiotic ointment or antiseptic cream also helps prevent infection. If needed, take an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage the swelling and pain.
Important Pointers for Making a Dog Bite Insurance Claim
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Report the incident as soon as possible
Insurance companies can quickly begin investigating the incident and determine whether they should cover your medical expenses and other damages related to being bitten by a dog once you report it.
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Seek medical attention
Contact your doctor and have them examine the wound as soon as possible. They will determine whether you need additional medical attention or treatment for rabies or other bite-related diseases.
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Complete your treatment
While most people can walk away from minor dog bites without needing treatment, some may need stitches or more serious medical interventions. Continuing your treatment is essential to ensure that you recover fully, even if the injury seems minor at first glance.
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Gather evidence
If someone else’s dog has bitten you, gather as much evidence as possible before contacting their insurance company. This includes photos of your injuries, medical records, and other evidence proving your claim is legitimate. If possible, send these materials via certified mail so there is proof that they were received.
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Talk to a personal injury attorney
A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and options when filing an insurance claim after being bitten by a dog. They will also guide you through the claims process so that you do not miss any deadlines or lose out on compensation due to mistakes made during the claims process.
Claim Your Compensation
If a dog bit you, report it immediately to support your claim. You should also consult a personal injury attorney before filing a dog bite claim to improve your chances of receiving just compensation. Read our infographic below to learn about the steps to take after a dog bite!
