It’s important to know what to do if a dog bites you. This includes your actions at the scene of the dog bite as well as treating the bite itself thereafter. In the immediate aftermath of a dog bite, you’ll likely feel startled and overwhelmed by the experience. First of all, you should seek immediate medical attention. This includes getting your wound washed for around 5 to 10 minutes. You should then use a clean cloth to stem the bleeding. After that, you should get your dog bite wound wrapped in a sterile bandage until you have a chance to visit your local doctor. Your doctor will advise you on what else you should do to treat your dog bite wound, as well as warning you about the signs of infection. These can include redness, swelling, and increased pain.
It’s difficult to take care of everything at once but don’t forget to identify the dog owner, take pictures, and record as many details as you can. Doing this right after your accident will mean a more accurate recollection of events. If you were out and about with a family member or friend, perhaps they can take the dog owners’ details while you seek medical attention. When dogs bite, owners may choose to flee the scene or become confrontational. Remember, dog owner liability in Ontario is referred to as “strict liability”. This means owners are nearly always held liable for attacks, regardless of whether the dog has a history of biting or not. When all the above steps are completed, speak to a dog bite lawyer in Toronto like De Rose.