What Should You Do Immediately After a Dog Bite?
Dog bites can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving victims in a state of shock and confusion. Whether you’re an avid dog lover or someone who usually keeps a distance, a dog bite can be a traumatic experience with serious legal, medical, and emotional consequences. This is why knowing how to respond to a dog bite is crucial.
We at Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC are no strangers to dog bite cases in Cook County, Collar County, and Chicago, Illinois. Let’s walk through a step-by-step guide on what to do immediately after a dog bite, how to protect your health and legal rights, and when to seek professional help from a personal injury attorney.
1. Assess the Situation and Prioritize Safety
Immediately after being bitten, your first priority should be getting to safety. If the dog is still aggressive or acting unpredictably, distance yourself from the animal as quickly and safely as possible. If the dog isn’t yours, try to prevent further attacks by calling animal control or police, especially if the dog is still loose.
It’s important to remember that dogs that bite are often scared, sick, or under stress, and approaching them could make the situation worse. Try to remain calm and move away without sudden movements that could agitate the dog further.
What If the Dog Is Known to You?
If the dog belongs to you or someone you know, restrain the animal to prevent additional bites. The dog’s owner should also exchange contact information with you for follow-up on the dog's vaccination records, especially regarding rabies shots.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Regardless of the severity of the bite, it’s always a good idea to seek medical attention. Even minor bites can become infected, and deeper wounds may require stitches or more intensive treatment. Here’s what you should do:
First Aid for Minor Bites
Wash the Wound: Use soap and water to clean the wound thoroughly. This helps remove any bacteria or debris left by the dog’s teeth.
Apply Antiseptic: After cleaning the wound, apply an antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection.
Cover the Wound: Use a sterile bandage or gauze to cover the bite. Keep an eye on the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
When to Go to the ER
Deep Puncture Wounds: If the bite has punctured the skin deeply or caused significant tearing, seek emergency care immediately. These types of wounds may require stitches or other forms of wound closure.
Excessive Bleeding: If the bite is bleeding profusely and can’t be controlled with direct pressure, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Signs of Infection: If you notice any signs of infection, such as warmth around the bite, swelling, or discharge, get medical help as soon as possible.
Unknown Vaccination Status: If you’re unsure whether the dog has been vaccinated against rabies, you must seek medical advice immediately, as rabies is fatal without treatment.
3. Document the Incident
As soon as you’re safe and have sought appropriate medical care, begin documenting the dog bite incident. In personal injury cases, accurate documentation can be key to building a strong case, especially in a city like Chicago where dog bite laws are specific.
What to Document:
Location of the Incident: Write down the exact location where the dog bite occurred.
Description of the Dog: Take note of the breed, size, color, and any other identifiable features of the dog.
Details of the Attack: Record how the attack happened, including any actions you took before or after the bite.
Witnesses: If there were any witnesses to the attack, try to get their contact information. They may be able to support your case later.
If possible, take photographs of your injuries, the location, and even the dog if it's safe to do so. Photographs can serve as valuable evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.
4. Report the Incident to Animal Control and the Police
In Chicago, dog bite incidents must be reported to animal control to help prevent future attacks and protect public safety. Chicago Animal Care and Control can investigate the circumstances of the bite, check whether the dog is current on vaccinations, and determine if the animal poses a threat to others.
Reporting the bite is also important because it creates an official record of the incident, which could be useful if you pursue a legal claim. Additionally, if the dog is dangerous or has bitten others, reporting the incident can lead to necessary legal actions, such as having the dog restrained or euthanized in extreme cases.
5. Identify the Dog’s Owner and Verify Vaccinations
If you were bitten by a dog that isn’t your own, try to identify the dog’s owner as quickly as possible. Knowing the dog’s vaccination history, particularly whether the animal is up to date on rabies shots, is essential to your medical care. If the dog’s owner is uncooperative or you can’t locate them, report this information to animal control or law enforcement officers.
In some cases, the dog may be a stray, making it impossible to verify vaccination status. If this happens, your doctor may recommend rabies prophylaxis, which involves a series of shots that prevent rabies from developing.
6. Understand Chicago’s Dog Bite Laws
Chicago follows Illinois state law when it comes to dog bite liability. Under Illinois' strict liability statute, a dog owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog, even if the dog has no prior history of aggression. The victim doesn’t need to prove that the dog was dangerous or that the owner was negligent, as long as they were lawfully present at the location of the bite and didn't provoke the dog.
This strict liability means that victims of dog bites in Chicago often have a strong case for compensation. However, the legal process can still be confusing, so it’s recommended to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Comparative Fault and Dog Bites
One key aspect to understand is Illinois’ comparative fault rule. If the victim is found to have provoked the dog or contributed to the circumstances of the bite, their compensation could be reduced. For example, if a court finds that you provoked the dog by teasing or tormenting it, your compensation could be lowered based on your percentage of fault.
7. Contact a Chicago Dog Bite Attorney
While some dog bite cases may seem straightforward, others can become more complicated, especially if the dog’s owner disputes your claim or if significant medical bills and lost wages are involved. In these situations, a knowledgeable Chicago personal injury attorney can help.
Why Contact an Attorney?
Proving Liability: A dog bite attorney can gather evidence to help prove that the dog owner is liable for your injuries. This includes obtaining medical records, witness statements, and professional opinions.
Calculating Damages: An attorney may help you calculate the full extent of your damages, which may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may offer a settlement lower than what you deserve. Your attorney may negotiate on your behalf.
Filing a Lawsuit: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may file a lawsuit and take your case to court. According to the Illinois Compiled Statutes, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the injury, so it’s important to act quickly.
8. Monitor Your Recovery
After the initial treatment, follow your doctor’s advice on wound care and rehabilitation. Dog bites can sometimes result in complications like infections, nerve damage, or even psychological issues, so it’s important to monitor your recovery closely. Keep records of all your medical visits, treatments, and expenses, as these will be important if you pursue a legal claim.
If you experience persistent pain, scarring, or emotional trauma, additional treatments such as therapy, plastic surgery, or counseling may be necessary. Be sure to include these costs in any personal injury claim.
Contact Us Today
A dog bite can have far-reaching consequences. Taking the right steps after a dog bite can help protect your health and legal rights. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Chicago, don’t hesitate to reach out to a personal injury attorney at Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC. Give us a call to get started with a free consultation.