Walking into a commercial establishment that uses guard dogs to ramp up security can make you feel safe. So, it may understandably come as a surprise if a security dog attacks and bites you.
Understanding your rights and the steps you need to take after such an incident can be crucial to safeguarding your well-being and receiving the compensation you may be entitled to.
Seek immediate medical attention
Regardless of the severity of the dog bites, the first thing you should do after an attack is to seek appropriate medical care. With extensive medical treatment, you can address:
- Infections
- Deep tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
- Rabies
Aside from protecting your health, seeking medical treatment can also help you secure an official record of the injury. By maintaining thorough medical records, you can pursue compensation for your injuries. It’s important to follow your doctor’s prescribed treatments and retain copies of all related bills and documentation.
Gather evidence at the scene
Suppose you had company when visiting a public establishment; it can help if the person you were with can take photographic evidence of the incident scene. Otherwise, you can make an effort to capture the accident scene as you wait for medical intervention. Pictures should capture:
- Your injuries
- The security dog
- The surrounding environment
You might also want to politely ask witnesses for their contact information and request that they provide their testimony to help you prove liability.
Pursue a premises liability claim
You can potentially pursue a claim for damages against the establishment you were visiting when a guard dog attacked and bit you. With appropriate legal guidance, you can work to demonstrate ways in which the business was negligent in its duty to keep the premises safe.
For example, if the security dog was improperly trained or inadequately restrained, and that led to your injury, you may have a strong case. Moreover, if there is evidence that the dog has exhibited aggressive behavior in the past, you can work to secure a reasonable settlement.
Businesses are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for their patrons; if they neglect this responsibility, they can potentially be held liable. In the aftermath of a dog bite incident, you can benefit from robust legal support to safeguard your rights and secure fair compensation for damages.