5 Vital Steps to Take After Getting Bitten by a Dog

While most dogs are loving and kind, unfortunate accidents involving dogs occur every day. Owners who fail to train or leash their dogs properly may charge and bite unsuspecting pedestrians. Often, dog bite victims require extensive hospital stays and a stretch of missed work days. If you have suffered a dog bite injury in New York, you deserve to recover compensation for the full extent of your injuries and other losses. However, it is essential to understand how to protect your rights, safety, and the total value of your claim.

At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, our attorneys have over a century of combined experience protecting dog bite victims’ rights and interests. We understand the ins and outs of New York personal injury law and are ready to help you navigate the aftermath of your accident. When you partner with us, we will work with you to understand every detail of your case and fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve. 

5 Critical Steps to Take After a New York Dog Bite Injury

While the aftermath of a dog attack can be frightening and overwhelming, the steps you take immediately following the accident are critical to protecting your health, rights, and interests. The following are five steps you should take after suffering a dog bite injury:

Seek Medical Attention

Often, dog bites cause severe lacerations and bleeding that should be treated by a medical professional as soon as possible. If your injuries are severe, call 911 and request medical attention. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, seeing your doctor as soon as possible is in your best interests. Injuries that may not seem severe may worsen without proper medical treatment. 

Report the Dog Bite as Soon as Possible

In New York, dog bite victims must report the incident to the Department of Health within 24 hours. You can complete this online form to report the bite or dial 311. If you or others are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1 to call emergency services to the scene. 

Identify the Owner and Get Their Information

Whether a dog bit you on your morning walk or while visiting a friend’s home, it is essential to identify the dog’s owner. The owner may be able to give you critical information on whether the dog is up to date on its vaccinations as well as their insurance information. To recover compensation, you will likely file a claim against the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. 

Document Your Damages

As you heal and recover from your dog bite, it is essential to document how your injury has affected your life. Keep a detailed record of your medical expenses, missed work days, and other losses to ensure you can be compensated fairly. 

Hire a Skilled Dog Bite Injury Attorney

Dog bite claims can be complex and challenging as you recover from your injuries. An experienced attorney can take the stress of pursuing justice off your shoulders so you can focus 100% of your energy on your healing and recovery. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, our attorneys have a proven track record of recovering the maximum compensation available for dog bite victims in New York and are ready to apply their experience and skills to your case. 

Retain the Services of a Seasoned Dog Bite Attorney at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe

If you have been injured by an aggressive dog in New York, do not hesitate to contact a trusted dog bite attorney. The skilled attorneys at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe have over a century of combined experience helping dog bite victims in New York protect their rights, interests, and the total value of their claims. To learn more about how we can help you and schedule a free consultation, call us today at 516-358-6900 or complete our contact form. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more information on our team or other legal topics.

For a free legal consultation, call 516-358-6900