Help! I Was Bitten By a Dog

Any dog owner will swear his or her dog is the sweetest animal in the world. But what do you do when man's best friend takes a bite out of your hand, arm or leg? In addition to causing soft tissue damage, dog bites can break bones, sever arteries and cause infection.

According to the law in most communities, dog owners must keep their canine companions leashed at all times when out in public. Owners who fail to obey this regulation face the repercussions of the law.

If you suffer a dog bite, you should do the following:

• Seek medical attention: You must take dog bites seriously. First, seek medical treatment. Even if the bite did little more than break skin, see a doctor, because canine saliva contains an abundance of infection-causing bacteria.
• Report the bite: Next, you must report your injury to your local animal control agency and the police. This is important because your local Animal Control Authority can inform you if the dog that bit you was vaccinated against rabies. Additionally, it is important to notify the necessary authorities so that you can protect other people from the animal.
• Contact a lawyer: Lastly, contact an experienced attorney. A dog bite injury can lead to expensive medical bills. A lawyer can help you obtain compensation.

Always remember to follow the orders of your doctor if you sustain a dog bite injury. Your health should always be your top priority.