As a human being, you have certain rights. One of those is the basic right to health and safety. Therefore, if you’re the victim of an animal attack, you have legitimate grounds to pursue compensation for your damages.
These damages can include things like pain and suffering, mental and emotional trauma, medical bills, and other expenses.
However, if you want your claim to be successful, there are certain things you need to do after being injured by an animal. Keep reading for the most important steps to take to ensure the validity and strength of your personal injury case.
Gather Evidence of the Attack
First, if you’re able, collect evidence of the animal attack. If your injuries are bearable and you don’t need immediate emergency care, try to take pictures of:
- The animal
- The location
- Your injuries
Conversely, if you’re too injured or don’t have your phone with you to take pictures, you’ll need to skip this step for now. Just make a mental note of where you are, what the animal looked like, and what happened.
Seek Immediate Medical Assistance
Next, have a friend or family member drive you to the emergency room. Even if the animal attack doesn’t seem serious, seeking immediate medical assistance is important for several reasons.
First, the animal that attacked you could have been carrying a disease, like rabies. If so, it’s important to know if you will have any other health complications so you can seek treatment as soon as possible.
Secondly, you’ll need official medical documentation to verify your personal injury case and add credence to your claim. This evidence will be vital if you decide to hire a personal injury lawyer to pursue compensation.
Look for the Owner and Learn More About the Animal
After you seek medical treatment for the animal attack, you need to contact the local authorities to report the incident. They can conduct a thorough investigation to determine if the animal is dangerous. They will also be able to look into the animal’s vaccination history to identify which shots it has or hasn’t received.
At this point, the owner of the animal will also be notified of the attack if they were not yet aware of what happened. They need to know that you were attacked by an animal in their care, on their property, etc.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Now, it’s time to reach out to a personal injury law firm. If you were injured by an animal attack, you shouldn’t have to pay for your medical expenses. Assuming you weren’t trespassing or antagonizing the animal, you should have a clear-cut case.
Talk to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to get a case evaluation and learn what to do moving forward. They can help you assess your damages and determine an appropriate settlement amount.
Were You Injured by an Animal Attack?
If you are the victim of an animal attack, it’s of the utmost importance to take the proper steps to ensure the success of your personal injury claim. Try to keep a cool head and follow the tips listed in this article. And remember, you’ll need a personal injury lawyer if you want to file a claim.
For more personal, professional, or legal tips, check out some of our other articles before you go. Our blog was created to provide readers like you with the information they need to succeed.
