Next Steps After a Dog Bite at an Apartment Complex.

Six Steps After a Dog Bite in Your Apartment Complex

No one enjoys dealing with an injury, especially in the form of a dog bite. And while every dog owner wants to believer their animal is harmless, the truth is that every dog has the potential to become aggressive or lash out in any setting, including apartment complexes.

Indianapolis dog bite attorney Matt Boulton has investigated a number of dog bite cases at various Indiana apartment complexes. In addition to determining liability, Matt makes it his responsibility to locate any applicable insurance policy to help cover a person’s damages that result from the bite.

If you live in an apartment complex (or visiting) and sustain a dog bite, the following steps can help to protect your rights to seek compensation.

Treat the Dog Bite

Your health is priority number one. Of course, if the bite is severe or involves serious blood loss, 911 should be called for an ambulance. Otherwise, you may wish to visit with your primary care physician to have the bite treated.

Additionally, be sure you to keep an eye on the wound for any follow-up symptoms. For example, if the bite area becomes more painful, develops puss, or shows any other signs of infection, you should go to the hospital. At minimum, be sure you treat and clean it according to a doctor’s instructions and give the affected area needed rest.

Contact the Police

If the bite is serious, you should contact the police. Make sure you have the owner and witnesses remain in the area so everyone can have their story documented. If you don’t find yourself in an emergency situation, you should call the local police rather than 911. You should then wait for authorities to arrive, so they can make an official report.

If possible, you should also take a picture of the wound and make sure police know which dog bit you. The details of the report will serve an important role to any future claim.

Find the Owner After a Dog Bite

It is not uncommon for dog bites to occur outside the actual residence and may have resulted from a dog being off its leash. In these instances, it is important to give a quick look around once you’re out of harm’s way to see if the owner is possibly nearby. Best case scenario, the owner will see the situation and immediately offer help, however, you may need assistance to find him or her depending on the situation.

If you talk with the owner, you should get his or her contact information. This ensures that your attorney can contact them at a later point if needed. If the owner refuses to give you information, don’t escalate the situation. Instead, contact the apartment complex and notify them of the incident.

Witnesses?

You should also look around for anyone that may have seen what transpired. They may be able to serve an important role as a witness. You should ask them for their name and phone number so your attorney can contact them at a later date if needed.

If a witness is present, they may also be able to assist you in getting any needed help that results from a serious dog bite.

Get the Dog’s Records

Authorities will have access to reports for a dog that is known to be aggressive. However, more important are the medical records that can identify whether or not a dog is current on all its vaccinations, e.g. rabies.

If there is any doubt about a dog’s medical history, or vaccination doubts, you should seek immediate medical attention. Rabies can lead to death and needs to be ruled out. Otherwise, you run the risk of contracting rabies or developing another dangerous disease.

Contact a Lawyer

Once your health is no longer at risk, you can contact an Indianapolis dog bite lawyer who can help you identify options in accordance with Indiana’s dog bite laws and determine whether or not you qualify to seek compensation.

Matt Boulton has over 25 years’ experience in helping Hoosiers and their families with dog bites that occurred on an apartment complex property. The firm’s Zero Fee Guarantee is a no-risk promise that means you will never be charged for a case review and owe nothing unless a settlement or award is made on your behalf.