Steps to Take After an Animal Bite

If someone else’s animal, such as a pet dog, attacks and bites you, it’s not only a terrifying experience, but it can also leave you seriously injured. The fact is that animal bites can require extensive care and leave you vulnerable to dangerous infections. While your situation will be specific to you, several important steps are universally helpful. One of the most important things is consulting with our injury attorneys at Fanelli, Evans & Patel early on.

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Care

There are many important reasons to seek immediate medical care after an animal bite.

Address the Risk of Infection

The risk of infection following a bite is very real, and the sooner the concern is addressed, the more manageable it is likely to be. Deep dog punctures and cat scratches are uniquely dangerous.

Assess the Need for a Tetanus Shot

If it’s been more than 5 to 10 years since your last tetanus shot, a booster may be advised. Tetanus is a serious – often fatal – infection that causes victims to suffer severe and extremely painful muscle spasms and rigidity that often begin in the jaw.

Assess the Risk of Rabies

While rabies is rare, it’s fatal if not treated right away. If you don’t know the vaccination status of the animal in question, it’s time to consult with a medical professional.

Address Damage to Deep Tissue

Animal bites can be deep, and they often rip and tear rather than slice cleanly. This can lead to more severe injuries that can damage all the following:

• Nerves
• Tendons
• Muscles

Surgery may be required, and if the injury is on or near your face, it could translate to permanent disfigurement.

Bolstering Your Animal Bite Claim

Seeking medical care following an animal attack is not only the right thing to do regarding your health, but it also strengthens your animal bite claim. Being treated by a doctor and carefully following their instructions and advice helps establish the serious nature of the attack and the extent of your related losses.

Step 2: Contact an Accomplished Animal Bite Lawyer

After you’ve addressed your health and well-being, it’s time to consult with a formidable animal bite attorney. You’ll look to them to guide your claim smoothly forward toward a favorable resolution that addresses your physical, financial, and emotional losses in their entirety.

Step 3: Refrain from Making a Statement

The insurance company handling your claim is interested in settling it for less, and if they can, they’ll twist anything that you have to say to their own advantage. This is why it’s a good idea to leave all the talking to your legal representative and to take a break from social media until your claim is finalized.

Speak to One of Our Pottsville Animal Bite Lawyers Today

Our seasoned Pottsville animal bite attorneys at Fanelli, Evans & Patel will unleash the full force of our proven experience in pursuit of your claim’s best possible resolution. Learn more by contacting us online or calling 570-622-2455 today.