After a dog bite, we provide the basic steps to survive this injury and protect your rights. Sometimes, a furry encounter transforms unexpectedly into a painful bite.
That friendly interaction suddenly becomes a nightmare, especially when it’s someone else’s dog, as there’s uncertainty about its rabies vaccination status. After a bite, your two priorities are your health and your rights. Don’t let pain cloud your judgment. Seek medical attention immediately.
Dog bites are not only gruesome wounds; they can also cause serious complications. We’re talking about bacterial infections and injuries to muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and tendons, especially when dealing with large and muscular dogs.
In this article, we won’t just discuss the complications but also the treatment. It explains what to do in case of common issues and how to minimize risks.
Get Information from the Dog Owner
Ask the owner about the vaccination history of the dog responsible for the problem. And we’re not just talking about common vaccines but the rabies vaccine. Is it up to date? They can show you the certificate if you ask.
That is where paperwork comes in. Ideally, the owner should provide you with a copy of the dog’s rabies vaccine certificate. That ensures you’re safe from the dreaded and potentially fatal rabies. Without that certificate, you’d be taking an unnecessary risk.
But, of course, reality is not always rosy. If the owner is uncooperative or, worse, if you suspect the dog might have rabies, don’t take chances. Go into emergency mode and seek medical attention. Rabies is almost 100% fatal if untreated. Don’t worry about being labeled paranoid; being safe is better than sorry.
Report the Bite
First, let’s understand that rules exist for a reason. Local laws dictate what the dog owner must do to keep everyone safe. But when the bite happens, it’s time to take action.
If the bite is severe and you need urgent help from an ambulance, 911 is your direct line of medical assistance. But suppose it’s not a life-threatening emergency. In that case, the non-emergency local line can also notify Animal Control about the situation.
If you’re dealing with an unleashed dog or a stray dog, Animal Control can come to the rescue. They can pick it up to ensure it doesn’t continue causing havoc and check it for rabies. Regarding suspicious dogs, especially strays, Animal Control might isolate and check them for rabies. Foam in the mouth, disorientation, and extreme agitation are warning signs. They can conduct crucial tests to determine if there’s rabies.
The responding police officers will create a bite report. That is not just a piece of paper; it’s valuable evidence for your lawyer in a potential dog bite claim. Make sure to get a copy of this report.
Seek Medical Attention
If, after the incident, you have puncture wounds or a bruise, seek medical attention immediately. Dog attacks can leave severe damage like broken bones, torn ligaments, or even injuries that need more than a simple band-aid.
A severe dog attack is not just a superficial scratch. It can come with a whole package of serious injuries. If you got thrown to the ground, you might have broken a few bones in the process. Or, worse yet, if your head hit the ground, we could be talking about traumatic brain injury.
Please don’t wait for things to resolve on their own. Immediate medical attention is your best option to reduce the risks of complications.
Also, it’s time to create those medical records like your post-bite health diary. They are valuable evidence that can support your case. You may need rabies vaccinations. Don’t risk waiting to see if you become a rabies horror story. Go to the doctor and coordinate those vaccines.
Rabies doesn’t wait, and neither should you. Don’t put your life at risk. Coordinate the vaccines, and if you later find out the dog wasn’t rabid, you can always cancel them. But you can only turn back time if you act quickly.
What to Do After a Dog Bite?
Thorough Cleaning
First and foremost, cleanliness. Wash the bite area with water and soap for at least 5 minutes. If there’s bleeding, press the area until the blood flow breaks.
Emergency Room Warning Signs
Not all bites are equal. If the bleeding won’t stop, if the injury looks like a sewing project, if there’s exposed flesh, if you suspect broken bones or exposed nerves, or if the situation worsens over time, it’s time to seek medical help!
Antibiotic Treatment to the Rescue
Antibiotics are the anti-infection squad. If there’s suspicion of infection, they are your weapon to survive. In some specific cases, individuals take them before the onset of the disease. Think deep wounds, high-impact injuries, multiple bites, and other situations where bacteria think they’ve found paradise.
Amoxicillin with Clavulanic Acid
In the world of antibiotics, this duo is the most indicated. Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid is the preferred combination for treating bite infections.
Tetanus
If your last tetanus vaccine dose was over ten years ago, prepare for a booster shot. We don’t want tetanus wreaking havoc after a dog bite.
Suture vs. Natural Healing
Suturing is best for wounds but is not always the best option. If you’re on the hands or feet team, if the bite is deep, if more than 12 hours have passed, or if you’re immunosuppressed, the doctor may leave the wound open to heal at its own pace.
Contact a Lawyer
Dog owners have a legal responsibility. The owner is still responsible even if the canine has never bitten anyone before. It’s part of the deal when you decide to have a dog as a companion.
Now, we know that owners sometimes try to evade responsibility. They can act clueless, not inform the insurer, or worse, not have proper safety measures. We understand they want to protect their furry friend, but human safety comes first.
Never accept informal offers from the dog owner to pay your medical bills in exchange for keeping quiet. It could jeopardize your health, remove your compensation rights, and even go against local laws—no deals in the dark.
After a dog bite, you must take care of your health and rights. You’re not alone in this! With medical attention and legal advice, you can handle this situation in the best way possible.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Las Vegas, Pacific West Injury Law is here to assist you. Our team specializes in dog bite cases, ensuring you receive the care and compensation you deserve. Don’t face this challenging situation alone. Engage with Pacific West Injury Law now for expert legal guidance and dedicated support in your recovery journey. We’re committed to protecting your rights and well-being.