6 Common Mistakes San Diego Residents Make after a Dog Attack

Whether you or a loved one is attacked by a dog, the actions you take immediately afterward plays an important role in determining the outcome of your case. It is critical that you know these common mistakes and avoid them.

Common Mistakes after a Dog attack

#1 Not Reporting the Dog Attack

It is important and necessary that you report the dog attack to the local police department and animal control office as soon after the attack as possible. Regardless of whether you know where the dog lives, or the identification of the dog owner, you need to report it.

Filing a report serves as a written record of your incident and starts the investigation.

#2 Not Obtaining Witness Contact Information

Eyewitness testimony is often one of the most critical pieces of evidence in a dog attack case. Eyewitnesses corroborate your account of the incident and help you disprove any defenses the insurance company may come up with later.

Eyewitnesses often leave the scene when they think that they cannot help. But if you grab them before they do leave, get their contact information. There is no need to obtain an official statement at this point.Instead, write down his or her name, address, telephone number so that your attorney or her investigator may obtain a proper recorded statement.

#3 Not Seeking Medical Attention Right Away

Any time you are injured, you must seek immediate medical attention.

After a dog bite, it is of the utmost importance that you seek immediate medical attention. A dog’s mouth is filled with bacteria. Your wound might become infected if not properly treated or the dog’s vaccinations are not known to you.

#4 Not Documenting Your Damages

You must prove your damages to be compensated in a dog bite cases. Below are some items that will help you document your damages:

Photographs: Photographs prove the injuries happened. Take photographs at the hospital of the injuries, pictures after treatment, progress, and even permanent scars, if any.
Medical Records: Medical records that show all the treatments you received and your prognosis.
Out of Pocket Medical Costs: Anything you pay for out of your pocket (including copays, over-the-counter medications, and other treatments) should be kept in a safe place.
Logs for Missed Hours: Document the all days and times you miss at work and have an employer write a letter attesting to those statements.

#5 Not Keeping a Pain Journal

Most dog bite lawsuits take a few months to settle – and in some cases over a year. Even one month after the attack, you might be unable to properly describe what happened to you or how it made you feel. You will remember you were in pain, but you might not remember the specifics of that pain or limitations. Keeping a pain journal can help you remember these fine details.

#6 Not Consulting with an Attorney

One of the biggest mistakes victims of dog attacks make is not speaking with an attorney. Failing to discuss your case with a San Diego dog bite attorney could result in you getting much less in compensation than you deserve.The other side deals with these claims day in and day out. You need to level the playing field by contacting Sahar today so that she can be your advocate and fight to get you the full and fair settlement that you deserve.

Call Sahar at 619.649.2440 to schedule a free case evaluation.