Identify the Dog and its Owner
January 2025
When bitten by a dog, the first thing a person should do is seek appropriate medical treatment. After they are sure the bite is properly cared for the next step is to identify the dog and its owner. At first glance, this may seem like it will be an easy task. However, in many situations this gets complicated very quickly. After a dog bites, many individuals will begin to deny ownership of the dog or to shift blame onto another once an injury occurs. The task of identification is further complicated if the dog was a stray dog.
In some situations, the local animal control officials an assist with the identification of the dog. They can also help determinining if the dog has been vaccinated. They can further provide information as to whether the dog has been a danger in the past or poses a rist to public safety.
A person bit by a dog should also write down a detailed account of what happened once they are able. The account should include the location, time and circumstances leading up to the bite. This account can assist in building a clear timeline if it is later decided to pursue a personal injury claim.
If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog, take the time to find experienced trial counsel. At Herrick & Hart, we have been on the side of the injured since 1951.