News About A Dog Bite From Your Personal Injury Lawyer

On June 5 of this year, an unfortunate story broke about a three year old child who was bitten in the face by a dog. According to WTSP Channel 10, "3-year-old....was bitten in the face by a 2 year old pit bull mix dog on Monday afternoon at the Palm Breeze Apartments located on Tommy Court in Palm River."

"Monday evening McKenzie was listed in serious condition. She had to undergo surgery at Tampa General Hospital."

Personal Injury Lawyer: Checklist If You Or A Loved One Is Bitten By A Dog

The following is a checklist for what to do if you or your child or loved one is bitten by a dog:

• Ensure that your child is assessed for emotional stress and obtains a referral for counselling if this is required. Talk to your child and monitor their behaviour even long past the incident. 
• Instruct other children and bystanders to remain still and quiet if the dog is still in the area.
• Animal bites can easily become infected so a visit to the doctor is essential if the skin was broken.
• Click here for information about first aid for animal bites from the American Academy of Family Physicians.
• Report the bite to your local health department. It is essential to find out whether the dog has had its vaccinations. Do not take the owner's word for this and do not worry about the dog owner "getting in trouble". Your or your child's health is more important than your relationship with the dog owner.
• Report the bite to your local animal services or animal control officer, even if there was no serious injury. If you do not know who this is, call your local city hall or Hernando County to find out who is responsible for animal control. It is important that a record be established for the dog so that if it has bitten before, or does so again there is basis for taking further action.
• Report the bite to police. They will be able to tell you whether the situation warrants a police investigation. Then contact a personal injury lawyer who handles dog bite cases.
• If you feel that other children remain in danger because of the dog and lack of supervision, report this to your local children's services agency so that they can investigate and take action if required.
• Obtain a professional opinion about the need for trauma counseling if you or your child seems fearful, acts differently from normal, suffers from nightmares or otherwise seems upset or disturbed in the days or weeks following the incident. In the US follow links from the Mental Health Association's site to local state organizations that may provide lists of counselors in your area.
• If your dog was the biter, confine the dog and report the incident to your local animal control and health department. If your dog is euthanized as a result of the bite and you need assistance dealing with the loss of your pet you can find help through the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement.
• There are support groups available if you feel you need one.
• Contact a personal injury lawyer who handles dog bit cases.
• In the US you can find all the dog-related laws for every state by clicking here.
• Take photos of the victim, the dog, the scene and anything else that may be important later. Have a friend go back to the scene and take photos if you are unable to do so.
• Obtain the services of a personal injury lawyer to help you negotiate with your insurance company.

Was Your Child Bitten By A Dog? Contact Your Personal Injury Lawyer At Lowman Law Firm

Dog bites can result in serious infection and trauma, especially for a child. After you ensure your child's safety, contact a personal injury lawyer for a free dog bite consultation.