Dog bites occur very quickly, often without any warning. They result in injury and pain, but can also result in emotional trauma as well. Knowing what to do after you have been bitten by a dog, particularly in Kansas City, is extremely beneficial so you can protect your health, and protect your legal rights. This article will help you with what actions you take going forward, both from a medical standpoint and legal standpoint.
1. Get Medical Help Right Away
A bite no matter how big or small can be very complicated. This was the reply of a physician friend of mine regarding bites in general. Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and with a clean cloth or bandage, apply pressure to the wound until the bleeding stops. Visit a physician as soon as you can. The physician will assess for infection, rabies, and tissue damage. Get the treatment that your physician suggests, and keep all your medical paperwork. The sooner you get help, the better. Medical attention is important to you, but, in terms of your potential case, the medical facility now has a record of your injury, and they may have documented at least one or more photographic images of your injury. This paper work/photo documentation can be extremely valuable for your insurance file or trial case.
2. Report Dog Bite to Local Authorities
You are required to report any dog bite to Animal Control or your local police department in Kansas City. Reporting dog bite incidents gives Animal Control or the police department the opportunity to identify dangerous dogs. When you report a dog bite, you give the agency information on other relevant factors, such as the type of dog, the information on the owner, and the site of the incident. You should ask for a copy of the report and keep it. The report is an official record of the incident. The report is useful if you want to consider taking any legal process action, or making an insurance claim. In some cases, local authorities may also assist in tracking down the dog’s vaccination records, or discover if the dog has bitten or attacked anyone in the past.
3. Gathering Evidence
You want evidence to support your case. Get as many good quality photographs of your injuries and photograph them from every angel you can. You won’t want to keep ripped, damaged, or blood-stained pieces of clothing/property! Document anything you can recall about the occurrence, that means day of week, date, time of day, place/location, and what transpired. Make sure to record the contact details of witnesses, their names and identify them as either male/female, yellow shirt vs. blue coat and/or put a crossed-out initial in front and record in the list later. If you are thinking about taking legal action or looking to make an insurance claim then evidence becomes very important. The more information you can document will make your case even that much more powerful. Document something that might appear insignificant (dog actions, environmental context, etc.).
4. Identify The Dog and Its Owner
It is important to obtain the dog’s owner’s full name, address, and phone number. You should also request the dog’s vaccination records, assumedly rabies shots. Kansas law may require the owner to provide this to you if you are bitten (see statute K.S.A. 47-637). Should the owner refuse to provide this information, authorities can assist you, and correct information will help ensure you receive proper medical care, and legal compensation, when necessary. This step will also help prevent the dog from potentially harming others.
5. Educate yourself on Kansas City Dog Bite Laws
Missouri has a statute that creates liability under certain circumstances to dog owners if their dog bites a person that did not provoke the dog and the person is the owner of the dog or the dog is dangerous. Kansas City also has ordinances related to dangerous dogs. Knowing the laws will be important for your recovery of damages. Damages can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress. An attorney provides the ability to navigate the claim process. The sooner the pursuit, the better your rights will be protected.
6. Speak with a Dog Bite Attorney
An experienced Kansas City Dog Bite Attorney can help ensure you protect your legal rights, and help you navigate the process. An attorney knows the appropriate Kansas City and/or Missouri rules and laws. An attorney can properly handle your insurance claim, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in court if need be. Most dog bite attorneys will provide an initial consultation free of charge. The sooner you take action, the more evidence you protect and meet timelines, etc. There may be more urgency for legal purposes in the case of acute injuries or if the dog that bit you has a history of attacks.
7. Do Not Interact with the Dog
Do not approach or contact the dog after the bite. Having further contact with the dog can create further injury to yourself or complicate your case. Leave the dog interactions to the proper authorities. If the dog is a neighbor’s dog, be careful. Do not let your pets, or kids near the dog. Do not interact with the dog, do not feed or tease the dog. The goal is safety until the dog is secured.
8. Keep Good Records
Keep a file of everything related to the bite. A folder of medical bills, police reports, photos, e-mails, and witness statements. The better your records, the more powerful your claims will be.
Keep copies of everything personally, and for the lawyer. The sooner you have your records and documents sorted out, the less chance for confusion later. Document everything. Keep track of all communication with …, authorities, with the insurance companies, and with the dog owner.
9. Be Aware of Possible Signs of Infection
A dog bite, in particular, may be susceptible to infection. Signs of infection are redness, pain and swelling gets worse, fever, and pus; if you have signs of infection you may want to seek help right away. Follow all of the care directions provided to you. Use and follow the course of antibiotics, as prescribed. Keep the wounds clean and dry – no infection! An infection can delay the healing process or complicate the healing, and if you have to seek legal action may even complicate any legal problems too.
10. Understand the Emotional Aspect of Recovery
A dog bite is a traumatic experience; you may feel fear or anxiety or have terrible nightmares after your dog bite. It is worth researching possible counseling or even support groups to consider. Your mental health is a part of your recovery. You may not realize that there is such a thing as emotional distress in a legal claim. If you are able to demonstrate through your counseling appointments, therapy visits, or even just show the effects that your emotional state has had on a legal claim, it may be of benefit to yourself.
11. Know Your Insurance Claims
Your health insurance might reimburse you for acute medical expenses incurred. Your/our homeowners’ or renters’ insurance might also cover many dog bite cases. You should call your insurance company right away. You will want to examine your policy and they will want documentation, records, and police reports or medical records/reports on the event. If you are working with a lawyer, they should help you get your claim handled by your insurance company properly. You want to be careful not to give a statement or an answer without the lawyer’s advice.
12. Know the Statute of Limitations
The State of Missouri has a time limit for bringing a dog bite lawsuit. You should act quickly, as your opportunity for compensation will be barred once the limit expires. A skilled personal injury lawyer in Kansas City should help you understand the time limits and how to properly file in the courts.
13. Preventing future events
If the dog that caused the bite incident was owned by a neighbor, be sure to share the plans for future safety measures with the owners, too! After all, their dog may not have deserved a direct reprimand by you, but maybe they recommended better fencing (or chaining), leash, and/or supervision for their dog, and help make sure that you are not at risk of any future dog bite incidents! If your concerns about the dangerousness of their dog are very serious, one way to advocate for your family and others, is to report the dog to your local Animal Control Department.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Kansas City?
Wash the wound, stop bleeding, and seek medical care right away. - Do I have to report a dog bite to authorities?
Yes. Reporting helps track dangerous dogs and supports legal claims. - Can I get compensation for a dog bite?
Yes. Compensation may cover medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. - How do I prove the dog bite happened?
Take photos, save clothing, write down events, and get witness contacts. - Should I contact a lawyer after a dog bite?
Yes. A lawyer can guide you on Missouri laws and help with claims or court cases.
