Dogs may be man’s best friend but they are animals. It is not always possible to predict their behavior. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over four million people in the United States are bitten by dogs every year.
If you have been bitten by a dog, you need the help of a Pueblo dog bite lawyer. Even if a dog attack appears to be minor, treating it can cost you a lot of money. Reporting a dog attack protects you from financial losses.
For a free consultation, please call (888) 668-1182 or send us an online message today.
What Should You Do After a Dog Attack?
Seek Medical Help
If you have been bitten by a dog, the first step should be to seek medical attention. Even minor dog attacks require medical attention. Dog attacks, if left untreated, can cause infections. If you are bitten by a dog that has not been vaccinated for rabies, it may infect you.
When you visit a doctor following a dog attack, they will perform tests to make sure that you have not been infected.
Keep records of your medical treatments and bills. You may use them when seeking compensation.
We encourage our patients to take clear pictures that can help show the extent of their injuries. If you have any bruises or puncture wounds following the dog attack, take pictures of them before seeking treatment.
Document the Incident
Aside from taking pictures, you need to document everything about the incident. Some of the most important things include; writing down the time and date of the incident and documenting the events leading up to the incident. If you have any torn or bloody clothing from the incident, keep it.
Find the Dog Owner
One of the most important things to do after being bitten by a dog is identifying the dog that bit you and its owner. Without this information, your Pueblo dog bite injury lawyer may not be able to assist you in seeking legal help.
If the dog is not with its owner when it attacks you, ask around. Someone in the area may be able to help you.
Report the Attack
Work with your Pueblo dog attack injuries lawyer to report the attack and pursue compensation. At McCormick & Murphy, we are happy to help you through the entire process. McCormick & Murphy has been in business since 1995. We have the necessary experience to give you reliable representation.
You should report a dog attack even when you don’t wish to pursue compensation. It helps the local authorities to implement policies that may prevent more attacks.
If, after investigation, the dog is found to be dangerous, its owner will be asked to take the necessary precaution to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Dog Attack Injuries
At McCormick & Murphy, our personal injury and dog attack injury lawyers are happy to help you seek compensation in case of dog attack injuries. The injuries are not always small puncture wounds.
If you are attacked by a vicious dog, it can often tear away a big part of your flesh. It may even damage some of your organs. You need the help of a Pueblo dog bite attorney regardless of the nature of your injuries.
Some of the most common injuries include:
1. Broken bones
2. Organ tears and punctures
3. Infection around the wound
4. Torn skin
5. Torn muscle tissues
6. Nerve damage
7. Emotional distress
8. Post-traumatic stress disorder
The most important things to look out for after a dog attack include:
1. Infection
2. Skin damage
3. Injury to your nerves or muscles
When looking at a dog attack injury, the first thing you notice is your damaged skin. However, the damage is usually a lot deeper.
If your skin is scratched or bruised, do not assume that it is cosmetic. The injury may lead to severe health problems. The potential for infection after a dog attack is high. You may be exposed to bacteria such as pasteurella and streptococcus.
At McCormick & Murphy, we are happy to help you understand your rights after a dog attack. We work with you to pursue and receive the compensation you deserve. Our Pueblo dog attack lawyers can help you do the following:
Link your Injuries to the Dog Owner’s Negligence
When making a dog attack injuries claim, you need to tie your injuries to the dog owner’s negligence. It is not enough to show that they were careless.
Showing the Injuries You Sustained
It is impossible to get compensation if you can’t prove that you were injured in a dog attack. You may get compensation for therapy, medical expenses, emotional distress, and lost income (past and future).
Our attorneys can help you fight accusations that you were wrong or responsible for the dog attack. You don’t qualify for compensation if you provoked the dog. Our dog bite attorneys in Pueblo, Colorado will help you collect evidence that proves you deserve compensation.
Imposing Liability
You can impose liability on public entities if they have failed in their duty to take action against dangerous dogs. You may impose liability on landlords, animal control departments, or homeowner associations. If you have sufficient evidence, they may compensate you for your injuries.
You do not qualify for compensation under the following circumstances:
- If you were trespassing when the dog bit you
- If you assumed the risk of being bitten
- If a dog professional was treating the animal when it attacked you
- If you provoked the dog into attacking you
Contact a Pueblo Dog Bite Attorney Today
At McCormick & Murphy, we can handle your claim on a contingent fee basis. We only require attorney fees if and when you get recovery. If you don’t get recovery, you don’t need to pay. Our law firm was established by James ‘Jay’ Murphy and Kirk R. McCormick in 1995.
We have been offering exemplary services in the Colorado Springs and Pueblo areas from the very beginning.
Together, we have over 60 years of legal practice experience. We have been admitted to practice in Colorado and federal courts in the United States.
If you need a Pueblo dog attack injuries lawyer, contact us at (888) 668-1182 or visit one of our offices. If you can’t come to us, we are happy to come to you. Contact us today for a free consultation.