3 Things to Do When You Can’t Identify the Owner of a Dog That Bit You - Mazow | McCullough, PC
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3 Things to Do When You Can’t Identify the Owner of a Dog That Bit You

Being bitten by dog is a frightening experience. If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog, the most important thing is to receive medical care right away. After your condition is stabilized, the next critical step is to identify the dog that bit you. However, in some cases, the dog is a stray or it is unknown who the owner of the dog is. Here’s what you need to do if you cannot identify the dog that bit you right away.

1. Ask Around the Neighborhood

If you don’t know the dog that attacked you or your loved one, it is important to ask around the neighborhood first to see if anyone else knows who the dog belongs to. One of the primary concerns with a dog bite is the transmission of rabies. Rabies is a serious disease and is characterized by a variety of symptoms including hallucinations, abnormal behavior, and often, death.

If you are not able to determine whether the dog that bit you has rabies or not (typically through physical testing of the dog), you will need to receive preventive care in order to prevent the disease. Once symptoms begin to manifest, the chances of survival are quite slim.

2. Check With Your Local Law Enforcement Agency or Humane Society

Often, dogs at large will have been spotted by animal control officers, law enforcement officers, or individuals who work or volunteer at the Humane Society. There is a good chance that if the dog has been seen around the neighborhood, one of these entities will be able to provide you with at least some information about the dog. If anyone has reported the dog for vicious behavior before, law enforcement officials in your area should have a record of the complaints that were filed.

3. Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney

The next most important thing you can do after being bitten by any dog, especially a stray, is to contact an experienced dog bite attorney in your area. An attorney can help you get the medical care that you need after being bitten by a vicious dog, and an attorney can also assist you in investigating the facts of your case and locating the dog in question.

It is important that you reach out to you a seasoned dog bite attorney as soon as you are physically able in order to protect your right to the full and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.

Contact Mazow & McCullough Today

At Mazow & McCullough, we have an innate understanding of how the law surrounding dog bite cases works. When the dog that attacked you is located, we may be able to bring an injury claim forward to the dog owner’s insurance company.

We are dedicated to providing you the comprehensive legal assistance you need after a serious dog attack. We will aggressively pursue the maximum financial restitution available for your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional pain and suffering. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a consultation to discuss your unique legal needs.

 

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