Animals are unpredictable, and even the friendliest, most well-trained dog can snap under certain circumstances. To ensure everyone else’s safety, pet owners have an obligation to maintain control of their furry friends whenever they are out in public and whenever people visit them in their homes or yards. If a dog bit you because its handler was negligent, the personal injury law team at Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. in Hamilton, OH, will help you file a claim and avoid making some of the most common mistakes along the way.

3 Common Personal Injury Mistakes People Make After Suffering a Dog Bite

1. Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

If you have been the victim of a dog bite, but you wait to visit your doctor, it could compromise the strength of your personal injury case. When you wait days or even weeks to seek medical attention, the defendant can use this fact to argue that there is no tangible link between the biting incident and the damages you incurred.

2. Failing to Report the Bite

Under Ohio state law, anyone who knows of a biting incident must report it to the health commissioner in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred within 24 hours. The health department will then assess the risk of rabies exposure and determine the best way to proceed. This report will not only protect your health and safety, but it will provide you with a concrete piece of evidence for your personal injury claim.

3. Failing to Document the Incident at the Scene

Getting bitten by a dog is traumatic, and you may not think to get the owner’s contact information at the scene. If you do not recognize the dog owner or know where they live, it’s essential to get some way of contacting them in the future. If there were any witnesses, you should also get their names and contact information as well. Additionally, you should take photos of the injury and how it progresses starting on day one.

If you were the victim of a dog bite and you want to file a claim against the liable pet owner, turn to Pater, Pater & Halverson Co. in Hamilton, OH. The team also practices estate planning, family law, and criminal defense. To learn more about the personal injury portion of their practice, visit the website. Call (513) 867-1411 to schedule an initial consultation with a compassionate attorney today.