A Guide to Knowing What to Do After an Animal Attack

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare—their child has been attacked by an animal.

Children, and even adults, can sometimes suffer from an animal attack. Dogs, cats, or wild animals like foxes, and raccoons can sometimes attack if they are angry, feel scared, or sense they are in danger.

If your child has been bitten by an animal, what should you do? It all happens very fast and can be scary and overwhelming.

To learn more about what to do after an animal attack, keep reading for our guide to help keep you safe.

After an Animal Attack, Get Immediate Medical Attention

If a child or someone around you has suffered a physical injury from an animal attack, the first thing to do is seek medical attention. The wound may need stitches, disinfecting, and cleaning, to ensure no infection is passed on to the victim.

Depending on the severity of the attack, head to the emergency room or the closest medical clinic.

Speak to Witnesses of the Attack

If the attack occurred in daylight in a public area, such as a park or playground, there are likely witnesses who saw the attack occur. If you’re able, try to get the contact details, including name and phone number, of any bystanders who saw the attack.

There may be some debate in the future regarding who was to blame or what actually happened, especially if the case goes to court. When that happens, you can then call on witnesses who can explain, from an unbiased perspective, what happened on the day.

Exchange Details with the Animal’s Owner

Always get contact details and information from the owner as well, so you can follow up with them in regards to medical bills or any lawsuit information.

The animal’s owner should also be able to tell you about the health of the animal. Has the animal received all its vaccinations?

This is particularly important when it comes to rabies. If the patient who was bitten has possibly been exposed to the disease of rabies, they’ll need to undergo a series of extra vaccinations and precautions to keep them safe.

Seek Legal Advice

An animal bite is an incredibly traumatic experience, even more so for a child. A bite can cause disfigurement, permanent scars, and emotional injury.

If someone you love has been bitten, you may be eligible for compensation to cover medical bills, therapy, or lost wages, in the case of an adult.

To learn more about the legal process and animal attacks, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. Such as Johnson Litigation, PLLC. They can talk you through the process and help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Protect Your Family After an Animal-Caused Injury

Now that you know the essential steps to take after an animal attack, you may have a better understanding of how you can protect your family. Unfortunately, animal attacks happen daily, often from pets not being trained well or being allowed to run around unsupervised.

If you or a loved one have been attacked, you know the pain and suffering it can cause. To try to minimize danger, avoid areas where dogs are allowed to run off-leash and exercise caution at parks or busy areas where dogs are frequently seen.

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