Dog bites can be devastating if not properly cared for. Whether a child or an adult, there may be physical damage, and, in some cases, they may suffer from a long-term psychological problem that will require professional help.
Things To Do Immediately If You’re Injured By A Dog Bite
- Wash the wound by using a mild soap and run warm tap water over it for 5-10 minutes.
- Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth.
- Apply over-the counter antibiotic cream if you have it.
- Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage.
- Keep the wound bandaged and see your doctor.
- Change the bandage several times a day once your doctor has examined the wound.
- Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased pain, and fever.
What To Do After The Wound Has Been Cleaned And Treated
Your doctor will want to know more about the dog that bit you and how it happened. After a bite, you should make sure you know when you received your last tetanus shot. Your doctor may recommend a booster if the wound is dirty and it’s been more than five years since your last shot. You will need to make sure the dog has had all its vaccinations.
Kentucky Has A Strict Liability Law That Applies To Dog Bites
In Kentucky, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries their dogs cause by biting others. This means that even the most responsible dog owners, with no reason to believe their dog is vicious, are still liable if the dog unexpectedly bites someone and causes an injury. Medical professionals are required to report all dog bites within 12 hours of treating a dog bite wound. Even if the bite does not require medical treatment, it must be reported to the health department. You must give the name of the patient, the extent of the wounds, and the place the incident occurred. If you intend to sue the dog owner for injuries and medical care, you have one year from the day of injury.
What Information Can An Attorney Provide?
Dogs can provide an endless amount of love and companionship but even the kindest dogs can cause property damage or personal injuries. If your dog bites someone, or you or your pet were injured by someone else’s dog, you may need to hire an attorney. Dog bite laws vary by state. A local attorney can tell you whether you have a legal claim, the potential extent of your liability, what types of defenses may be available, and the possible legal and monetary consequences of your dog bite case.
Contact (859-746-0500) Michael O’Hara, PLLC for a Consultation
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About Michael A. O’Hara, PLLC
When you have to deal with the justice system – whether related to a civil or criminal matter – you need more than the truth on your side. You need a skilled attorney who can employ sound legal strategies to produce the results you are hoping for. I am attorney Michael A. O’Hara, and I am licensed to practice in Kentucky and Ohio at the state level, as well as in Federal District Court and the Federal Court of Claims. I have been representing clients in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area since 1994.