What to Do After a Dog Bite in Charlotte

Dogs can make our lives better. However, when they attack others, they can cause severe pain and injuries. If you were walking around Charlotte one day or at someone’s home and a dog bit you, there are certain steps you need to take to protect your rights and health.

If you’ve been injured as a result of a dog bite in Charlotte, it is in your best interest to reach out to Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys. Our dog bite lawyers have years of experience helping injury victims like you, and we’re prepared to take on your case. To schedule a free consultation of your case, contact us today at (980) 237-4579.

Steps to Take Following a Dog Bite in Charlotte, NC

By following these steps, you can hold a dog owner accountable for their animal’s actions, prevent the dog from hurting others in the future, treat your injury, and ensure you recover properly.

Treat your wounds.

Immediately after a dog bite occurs, gently press on the wound. The purpose of doing so is to flush out as much bacteria as possible. Once you do, use warm soap and water to wash the wound.

You should then apply an over-the-counter antibiotic cream and wrap the wound up with a sterile bandage. Get into the habit of changing the bandage throughout the day until you make it to the doctor.

Visit a doctor.

It’s imperative to seek medical attention after a dog bite. Even if you think your injuries are minor, see a doctor. Your physician will likely clean your wound again and may prescribe antibiotics if they believe you have an infection. In some cases, you may need stitches as well.

Report the incident.

Instead of keeping the dog bite to yourself, inform the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Care & Control by calling 311. By doing so, you can protect other people in the area from getting attacked by the same dog. You can also receive documentation related to your attack, which may serve as strong evidence should you file a claim down the road.

Gather relevant contact information.

If you don’t have a personal relationship with the dog owner, you’ll need to gather their contact information. Ask for their name and phone number. Also, find out as much as you can about the dog. What breed are they? Have they bitten others in the past? Do they have their vaccinations?

Collect evidence.

Take photographs of the dog as well as your wound. In addition, keep the clothing you were wearing at the time of the bite and ask your doctor to provide you with medical documentation that proves the extent of your injuries.

Reach out to a dog bite lawyer.

A dog bite attorney can be an invaluable resource after a dog bite in Charlotte. They know the ins and outs of dog bite laws in the area, and may be able to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

While dog bite injuries can range in severity, they are often very serious. Some of the most common ones include:

• Infections that develop in cuts, scratches, and lacerations
• Scarring and disfigurement in the face
• Nerve, tendon, and tissue damage
• Emotional trauma
• Rabies transmission

Suffering at a Dog Bite? Contact a Charlotte Personal Injury Lawyer for Help

If you got bit by a dog in Charlotte, contact Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys right away. You can count on our team of skilled, experienced attorneys to build a strong case that may help secure the compensation you deserve after a traumatic accident. Call us today at (980) 237-4579, or our online contact form to schedule a free consultation of your case.