Dogs might be the pet of choice for most Americans, but these popular canines aren’t all bark and no bite. Thousands of people are injured in animal attacks every year, and many suffer long-term health complications that impact their ability to work, exercise, enjoy their hobbies, or even live independently. 

If you were bitten by a dog, you might be unsure about what to do next. While it’s important to start building your personal injury case, there are a few steps you should first take that could help prevent disputes during proceedings.

Let’s take a look at what you should do in the aftermath of an animal attack:  

Document the Attack 

While dog owners in the state are held strictly liable for any harm caused by their animals—i.e., they are responsible for covering any damages stemming from an attack regardless of whether their pet has a history of violent behavior—you will still need to gather evidence to support your version of events. The owner could argue, for example, that you were trespassing when you were bitten, so evidence such as surveillance camera footage or eyewitness statements that show that you were in a public place could immediately help you overcome such defenses.   

Seek Medical Treatment 

Once you leave the scene of the attack, it’s important to visit the doctor as soon as possible. Prompt treatment won’t just help prevent a serious injury from worsening but could also help you avoid disputes during proceedings.  

Your healthcare provider will usually note down your injuries, symptoms, and other details about your condition in your medical records. The sooner you undergo a medical assessment, the easier it will be to connect your injuries to the attack.  

Wait too long and opposing parties might have room to argue that you suffered your injuries in a different incident. Alternatively, they may assert that your injuries can’t be that severe as you didn’t require immediate medical attention.

Lay Low on Social Media 

While you might not think your online activity could hurt your dog bite case, there are many ways an opposing party could use your actions in the digital space to challenge your credibility. For instance, if your photos show you enjoying an active social life in the days following the attack, an opposing party might be able to assert that your injuries aren’t very serious or that you ignored your doctor’s instructions to rest. 

Discuss Your Case with a California Dog Bite Attorney 

An animal attack isn’t just traumatic, it can also put immense strain on your finances. Victims often incur thousands of dollars in losses, and many suffer long-term complications because of their wounds such as disfigurement and scarring. 

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we may be able to assist in your fight for fair compensation. Our legal team can help guide you through proceedings, providing advice on how to overcome challenges and avoid mistakes that might otherwise hurt your claim. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or click through to our contact form HERE to request a free case evaluation with a California dog bite attorney.