A dog attack can be an upsetting and painful event, leaving you with physical injuries, emotional distress, and numerous uncertainties about how to proceed. In the District of Columbia, dog owners are responsible for maintaining control over their pets and preventing them from causing harm to others. If you suffered a dog bite in Washington, D.C., take the appropriate measures to safeguard your health and overall well-being.
Prioritize Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention
If the dog is still present and poses a threat, remove yourself from the situation as quickly and calmly as possible. If you have serious injuries or are bleeding profusely, call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest emergency room right away.
Even if your injuries seem minor, you should get a medical evaluation as soon as possible after a dog bite. A medical professional can clean and dress your wounds, assess the extent of your injuries, and provide guidance on follow-up care and monitoring for signs of infection.
When seeking medical treatment, be sure to document your injuries thoroughly. Take photographs of your wounds, keep copies of all medical records and bills, follow your doctor’s instructions for care, and attend all follow-up appointments.
Report the Incident to the Proper Authorities
After addressing your immediate medical needs, report the dog bite incident to the appropriate authorities. In D.C., you should contact Animal Care and Control to file a report. They will investigate the incident, collecting pertinent information regarding the dog and its owner. They will then proceed with necessary actions to uphold public safety, which may include quarantining the dog to determine if it poses a risk of rabies.
When filing a report, provide as much detail as possible about the incident, including the date, time, location, and a description of the dog and its owner. If there were any witnesses, collect their names and contact information, as their testimony may be valuable in supporting your claim.
In addition to reporting the incident to Animal Care and Control, you can also need to file a police report to document that attack and your injuries, and also to allow the police to invetigate and determine the owner, any witnesses, and other helpful information.
Gather Evidence and Document the Incident
To build a strong case for compensation, gather as much evidence as possible about the incident. In addition to medical records and photographs of your injuries, collect any other relevant documentation, such as:
- Witness statements
- Police or animal control reports
- Photographs of the scene where the bite occurred
- Information about the dog’s history of aggression or prior incidents
- Proof of the dog owner’s liability insurance, if applicable
If you can safely do so, take photographs of the dog and the area where the bite occurred. Note any visible signs of the dog’s aggression or lack of control, such as a broken leash or inadequate fencing. The more evidence you can gather, the stronger your case will be when seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.
Consult Our Experienced Washington, D.C. Dog Bite Attorney
Under the Code of the District of Columbia, dog owners have a responsibility to keep their pets under control and can be held liable if a dog bites another person. You may be eligible to pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from a dog bite incident.
An experienced dog bite lawyer at Simeone & Miller, LLP can help. We’ll review the facts of the incident and prepare an insurance claim on your behalf, and we’re prepared to take your case to court if that’s what it takes to recover the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and review your legal options.
