Dogs are beloved companions, but even the most docile pets can attack strangers or other animals without provocation. In most states, the animal’s owner will be held liable for your personal injury, as well as any lost work and the suffering you’ve endured. Below are a few steps you should take to protect your rights after an attack.

What to Do After an Incident With a Dog

1. Identify the Dog

Find out who the animal belongs to and where the owners live. In some cases, this may be easy to do; but, if the animal was roaming through the neighborhood, you may need the police to investigate. Properly identifying the dog ensures the liable party is held responsible, and your medical team may need to conduct tests to determine whether you’ve been exposed to any diseases.

2. Seek Medical Attention

A dog’s mouth may host bacteria, which even a minor attack could introduce into the bloodstream. Prompt medical attention may reduce the severity of any infections, so see a doctor as soon as possible, regardless of whether the harm was minor. Their medical records can also be crucial evidence linking your injuries with the dog attack.

3. Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney

In many cases, a dog owner’s insurance covers harm caused by their pets, but collecting those funds is often complex and difficult. A personal injury attorney has the skills to calculate the full extent of your damages, conduct an investigation of the incident, and negotiate with the insurers on your behalf.

With offices in Cambridge, Quincy, and Boston, MA, the Bellotti Law Group, PC, provides aggressive representation and sound legal advice to victims throughout the area. Thanks to their extensive experience and creative solutions to difficult legal problems, this law firm has been named as Super Lawyers and a Top 10 Law Firm by the American Institute of Legal Counsel. Visit their website to learn more about their personal injury services. To schedule a consultation in Boston, call (617) 778-1000, or dial (617) 225-2100 to reach their Cambridge location. To speak with an attorney in Quincy, call (617) 328-2300.