Dogs are a human’s best friend. But not every dog has been well taken care of or trained. In these cases, there is a high chance that a dog may attack another person. If a dog ever attacks you, there are four things you must do immediately after.

Pinpoint the Dog and Owner

Once the attack is over, you need to pinpoint the owner of the dog responsible immediately. After identifying them, get their name, address, and proof of rabies vaccination. Acquiring the dog’s vaccine records is essential because if you cannot obtain them, you will likely be required to get a series of rabies shots that cost you nearly three thousand dollars. You will also need their contact information if you need to get a dog bite lawyer in Detroit involved if they are not cooperative or admit fault. 

Seek Medical Attention

If the bites you received from the dog are severe enough, you must next seek medical attention. Depending on the severity, first responders may need to call so you can receive immediate medical care. Honestly, no matter if your injuries do not seem severe, it is best to visit a doctor since the risk of infection from a dog bite is high.

File a Report

Even if you only received minor injuries, the next step is to file a report with the city or county authorities. This way, your attack is documented and will help if you must take the dog owner to court. It can also help if other victims have been attacked or bitten by the same dog. Filing a report on the incident begins a paper trail that can be useful to the authorities. 

Gather Information

Finally, you want to gather as much information as possible. Nothing is too minor. Find out more about the dog who attacked you, their licensing information, and any previous records. This helps to determine if this dog has attacked anyone else in the past or if they have been labeled as potentially dangerous. 

You will also want to take photos of your injuries. Any puncture wounds or bruises you acquired due to the dog attack. It will also be helpful to take pictures of the attack’s location. This will all help if you need to take legal action against the dog owner.

Dog attacks are terrible, and it is always a stressful time when they occur. If you ever find yourself being a dog attack victim, remember these four steps to follow.