Man’s best friend accounts for multiple deaths and injuries each year. Following a dog bite, you should contact an Ohio personal injury attorney soon after the incident.

There are several steps you should take following a dog bite. The steps you take should be documented so that you can provide your Ohio personal injury attorney with the documentation that could help ensure your legal rights as the victim.

First, you must try to identify the dog and locate its owner. After seeking medical care you’ll need this information to get the contact information for the owner of the dog. If it’s a stray dog, you may have to receive a series of rabies shots.  Seeking medical care is the next step and depending on the nature of the dog bite will depend on the care you seek. Most incidents aren’t severe enough to call 9-1-1, but you should go to the emergency room to take care of the injury. Dog bites can carry a significant risk of infection and even minor injuries put you at risk.

While at the hospital, be sure to take photos of your injury. This documentation will help your Ohio personal injury attorney fight for your case and help you receive the compensation you deserve for your pain/suffering and medical expenses as a result of the defendant’s dog.

Because dog bite laws are combination of city, county and state laws they can be complex to navigate. Consulting an Ohio personal injury attorney ensures that your best interest is in mind when it comes to your legal rights. It’s possible that a dog bite claim can take years to be settled, so during the life of the claim be sure to continue documenting bi-weekly everything from your injury status, to medical bills you receive to state of mind regarding the incident. This documentation will continue to be pivotal for your case.