Dogs are friendly, beloved household pets, but they’re still animals with instincts that can cause them to bite or scratch when they feel threatened. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you might be unsure what to do next. Should you see a doctor? Can a personal injury lawyer get you compensation for your medical bills? Below are a few tips for protecting your rights and your health after an animal attack.

4 Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

1. Get Medical Attention

Your health is always the top priority, so seek medical attention immediately. Even if the wound does not appear to be serious, you should still see a doctor, since the bacteria in a dog’s mouth make bites prone to infection.

2. Try to Identify the Dog

If you were bitten by a pet, try to find out where the animal lives or get the owner’s contact info. Having the dog’s vaccine history can help you avoid painful rabies shots, and your personal injury lawyer will need their information to file a claim.

3. File a Report With Animal Control

After receiving medical treatment, speak to your local animal control office about filing a report. If the animal has a history of aggression towards people, they may need to take action, and your report can prevent further attacks in the future.

4. Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer

The owner’s insurance company may ask you to make a statement, but speaking to the adjuster without an attorney is rarely in your best interest. In most cases, they’ll concentrate on getting you to make statements that can be used to minimize their liability for your injuries. Your personal injury lawyer will know how to overcome the strategies insurers use to reduce settlement amounts, collect the evidence to establish liability, and calculate a fair compensation amount for your damages.

If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, the legal team at Ely, Bettini, Ulman, Rosenblatt, & Ozer, Attorneys at Law will protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. As one of the oldest firms of personal injury lawyers in Arizona, they have over 200 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of victims throughout the Phoenix area and have collected over $100 million on behalf of their clients. Visit their website or call (602) 230-2144 to schedule your free consultation, and follow their Twitter for more legal tips and professional insight.