Don’t Dawdle When Dealing with a Dog Bite

Dog bites are common and the CDC estimates that there are in the neighborhood of 4.7 million bites that occur each year. Whether it is your neighbor’s “friendly” poodle or the rambunctious rottweiler you run into in the park, all dog bites should be taken seriously. To that end, there are certain steps you should take promptly following a dog bite and before contacting a dog bite attorney.

Exchange Information

Never leave the scene of a dog bite without exchanging complete contact information with the dog’s owner or caretaker. You will want to verify the individual’s name, address, and phone number before leaving the scene. Similarly, make sure that you collect the contact information of any eyewitnesses.

Seek Medical Care

Rabies is more common in neighboring Larimer County than in Boulder. It is something to be cognizant of, but not overly concerned over. However, there are still plenty of potentially dangerous aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, as well as viruses that a dog bite can transmit which can cause serious infections. All dog bites should be cleaned and treated by a medical professional. In addition to helping you heal, your medical records provide formal documentation of the injury that your dog bite attorney can use as evidence.

Report the Bite to Animal Control or the Police

All dog bites should be reported to Boulder County Animal Control by calling (303) 441-3626 or (303) 441-4444. They are responsible for investigating incidents in Boulder County including Lyons, Superior, and Jamestown.

If the bite occurred in the cities of Boulder, Erie, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, or Nederland, you should contact the police department. As with your medical records, your dog bite attorney should receive a copy of the BCAC or police report to support your claim.

Start a Diary

You will want to document your recovery process. Your diary should include the full extent of your injuries and their healing. You should write about the impact the injury has on your ability to work, engage in activities, perform errands, etc. As part of your diary, you should also keep a detailed accounting of your expenses including medical care, prescriptions, physical therapy, etc.

Don’t dawdle when Fifi or Fido don’t play nice. Contact Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, PC at (800) 873-3202 for a free consultation with a dog bite attorney. We will help you understand your rights and your options for recovering compensation for your injuries.