When people don’t take responsibility for their dogs, it can lead to all types of trouble. Much of the time, pet owners have no idea how dangerous their dog is until they attack someone else. If you are on the receiving end of that attack, you might not be sure what rights you have. You need to remember that the animal is its owner’s responsibility. The person who owns the dog should have done everything they could to prevent the attack from taking place. So, what should you do next?
Talk to the owner
After the dog attack, you need to talk to the owner right away. You might be in shock if the animal has caused you lasting damage, but you still need to get the owner’s information. If you don’t know the person, you need to get their contact details so that you can get hold of them at a later date. Of course, right now, you want to seek medical help. You should exchange addresses and phone numbers with the dog owner. If they have a car with them, it is also worth taking down its registration details. That way, if the person has given you false information, you can still identify them.
Contact the police
You should call the police straight after the accident so that they have a record of everything that happened. When you talk to an official, make sure that you give them every detail you can so that they can do their job. Be clear about what happened, whether the other party tried to restrain their dog and how the dog attacked you. You can also show the officials your injuries so that they have a record of them as well.
Get information from a doctor
When you see a doctor, you need to make sure that they gather all the right information from you. Of course, you need to show them your wounds and explain how they happened. You should also talk things through with the expert and explain how the attack has affected you in an emotional way. It is always an excellent idea to talk things over with people. When animals attack people, they often leave lasting mental damage, which is much worse than the attack itself. Be honest with your doctor and explain how you feel.
Find a reliable lawyer
Once you have seen the police and a doctor, it is time to find a lawyer. Some firms like the Avrek accident attorneys specialize in claims of this nature. You should make sure that the lawyer you choose has previous experience with similar claims. That way, you can be sure that they will give you the best possible level of service. You ought to explain everything to your solicitor and tell them how it has affected you, in the long term. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You need to understand the process before you move forward with your claim.
Assess the damage
The final thing you need to do is assess the damage. This step is something that your lawyer will help you with along the way. You need to identify ways in which the injury has changed your life. Someone at the law firm will assess how much the accident has cost you by way of money and emotional distress. You will need all this information before you seek compensation. You should spend some time with the legal team so that you understand every aspect of your case. That way, you can be sure that everything will go to plan. It is crucial that you get the compensation you deserve, so don’t wait any longer.