When Man’s Best Friend Turns Dangerous: What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury
Dogs may be loyal companions, but under the wrong circumstances, even a friendly pet can become dangerous. Dog bites are more common than many realize, and when they occur, they can cause serious injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected medical expenses. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in Buffalo, it’s essential to know the right steps to take to protect your health, rights, and potential injury claim.
In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do after a dog bite injury and how a Buffalo dog bite attorney can help you recover compensation.
- Prioritize Your Health: Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your safety and health come first. Dog bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, and even rabies if not properly treated. Even minor-looking wounds can become serious if ignored.
What to do:
- Wash the wound with soap and warm water immediately.
- Apply antiseptic ointment and a clean bandage.
- Seek medical treatment to assess the severity of the bite.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, and keep records of all visits, medications, and diagnoses.
Buffalo hospitals and urgent care centers are equipped to handle dog bite cases, and prompt treatment will help create a paper trail of your injuries for any future legal claim.
- Identify the Dog and Its Owner
Once you’re safe and stable, try to identify the dog and its owner. This step is crucial for your health and for any legal action that might follow. Ask for:
- The dog owner’s name, address, and contact information
- Information about the dog’s vaccination history (especially rabies)
- Witness contact information, if available
Buffalo Animal Control may also need to be notified, especially if the dog appears to be dangerous, unvaccinated, or running loose.
- Report the Incident to Authorities
You should report any dog bite to your local health department or animal control agency. In Buffalo, this means contacting the Erie County Department of Health or Buffalo Animal Control.
An official report serves as documentation of the attack, which can be useful in court or when dealing with insurance companies. It also helps authorities track dangerous animals and prevent future incidents.
- Document the Evidence
Evidence is key in building a strong legal claim. The more documentation you have, the better your chances of securing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Gather the following:
- Photographs of your injuries immediately after the bite and during the healing process
- Photos of the dog, the location of the attack, and any torn clothing
- Copies of medical records and bills
- A written account of what happened while it’s still fresh in your mind
- Names and statements of any eyewitnesses
Keep all of this information in a safe place, and share it with your attorney.
- Do Not Speak with the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company Alone
If the dog owner’s insurance company contacts you, be cautious. Insurance adjusters may try to get a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement that doesn’t fully cover your damages.
Instead, speak with a dog bite injury attorney in Buffalo before responding. Your lawyer can handle communications with insurers and negotiate on your behalf to ensure you don’t accept less than you deserve.
- Know Your Legal Rights Under New York Dog Bite Law
New York uses a combination of “strict liability” and “negligence” laws for dog bite cases:
- If a dog is known to be dangerous or has a history of aggressive behavior, the owner may be strictly liable for medical expenses caused by a bite.
- To pursue additional damages (e.g., pain and suffering), you may need to prove that the owner acted negligently or failed to properly control the animal.
This can make dog bite cases legally complex, which is why having a local Dog bite lawyer buffalo is so important. They can investigate whether the dog had a known history of aggression and whether the owner violated local leash laws or ordinances.
- Consider the Emotional Impact
Dog attacks are traumatic events. Victims often suffer from emotional distress, including anxiety, nightmares, or a newfound fear of animals. Children are particularly vulnerable to the psychological impact of a dog bite.
Mental health treatment, such as therapy or counseling, may be needed to cope with these effects. If so, your attorney can include emotional damages as part of your legal claim.
- Don’t Wait Too Long to File a Claim
Under New York law, you typically have three years from the date of a dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s always best to act sooner. Evidence fades, witnesses become harder to locate, and delays can harm your chances of success.
An experienced Personal Injury lawyers Buffalo NY can help you determine if you have a valid case and ensure all deadlines are met.
How a Buffalo Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
A skilled attorney can be a powerful advocate after a dog bite. They can:
- Investigate the dog’s history and the owner’s behavior
- Gather and preserve evidence
- Work with medical professionals to value your claim
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies
- Represent you in court, if necessary
Most personal injury attorneys, including those handling dog bites, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless they win your case.
Final Thoughts
Dog bite injuries are painful, frightening, and often avoidable. If you or your child has been injured by a dog in Buffalo, don’t navigate the recovery and legal process alone.
Knowing what to do—from seeking immediate medical care to contacting a trusted dog bite lawyer—can make a significant difference in your recovery and financial future.
You deserve to feel safe in your neighborhood. And when man’s best friend turns dangerous, you deserve justice.
