Suffering a dog bite can be a frightening and painful ordeal. In the aftermath of an attack, it is crucial that you properly document your injuries. Taking the right steps can help ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages if the owner is found negligent. This article provides guidance on documenting your injuries following a dog bite in the state of Missouri.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
The first thing you should do after being bitten is get medical attention. Even if the bite does not seem severe, there could be underlying muscle or tissue damage, or the risk of infection. Seeing a doctor quickly can also help substantiate your injuries.
Go to the emergency room or urgent care right after the bite occurs. Make sure to describe in detail how the bite happened and point out all bite marks and wounds to the medical staff. Have the injuries thoroughly examined, cleaned, and treated. Follow all instructions from the doctor for care of the wounds.
Get copies of all medical records related to the dog bite. These will document the date, your symptoms, exam findings, and any treatment provided. Medical records will be important evidence if you pursue legal action against the dog owner.
Take Photos of Your Injuries
Visual documentation is key. Take clear, well-lit photos of every bite mark and wound from multiple angles. Return in several days and take photos as the injuries progress through stages of bruising, swelling, and healing.
Photograph injuries next to a ruler or common item so the size can be determined. Include shots of the unaffected areas for comparison.
Also, take pictures of blood or torn clothing resulting from the attack. Photos substantiate that the bite broke the skin, and they help convey the severity.
Get Information from Witnesses
If anyone witnessed the dog attack, get their contact information. Witness accounts help establish vital facts, such as how the incident happened, the dog’s behavior, whether a leash was used, and who had custody of the dog.
Ask witnesses to write down exactly what they saw while the memory is fresh. Signed written statements carry more weight than verbal descriptions.
If the police responded, get the officers’ names and badge numbers. Police reports contain impartial descriptions of the scene, interviews with witnesses, and notes about the dog’s disposition.
Gather Details About the Dog Owner
Documenting who owned the dog that bit you is crucial. Get the owner’s full name, address, and contact information if possible. Ask them if the dog is up to date on their vaccines and request to see the animal’s veterinary records.
If the owner refuses to provide information or acts evasively, try to gather details on your own. Note the dog’s breed, color, gender, approximate weight, collar or ID tags, and name if known. Take photos to identify the animal. If you don’t know the owner’s identity, see if any witnesses can provide it.
Keep Records of All Expenses and Losses
As you recover from the bite, keep track of all dog bite-related costs and financial losses. These could include:
- Doctor and hospital bills, prescriptions, therapy
- Costs for wound care supplies, bandages
- Lost wages due to missing work
- Damage to clothing, eyewear, electronics
- Hiring help for tasks you cannot do while injured
- Costs for cleaning services if blood stained your carpets or furniture
- Veterinary bills if your own dog was injured trying to protect you
- Repair or replacement costs for damaged property like a torn screen door if the attack happened at your home
- Mileage and transportation costs for medical appointments and errands you cannot run due to injuries
- Costs for a temporary rental car or ride shares if you cannot drive
- Late fees if you miss bill payments while out of work
Keep every receipt and written record related to these and any other costs stemming from the bite. Itemized lists with dates help quantify the economic impacts suffered because of the incident. These financial losses may potentially be recoverable later as damages if you choose to pursue legal action, so thorough documentation is key.
Contact an Attorney
Consulting with an experienced dog bite lawyer is highly recommended. An attorney can assess the circumstances and advise you on state laws and your rights. They can also correspond with the owner’s insurer about compensation for your damages.
It’s important to contact a lawyer soon after the bite, while memories are fresh and evidence is available. Our attorneys at Monge & Associates offer free consultations to dog bite victims in Missouri. With 32 offices in 19 states, including Missouri, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania, we have the resources and expertise to help maximize your compensation and hold negligent owners accountable. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (888) 477-0597.