The first things to do after being bitten

It is important to identify the animal that bit you, because if it is a stray and you cannot identify it, you're facing the possibility of having to submit to treatment for rabies, which can be painful. Also, if you were attacked by a dog or any wild animal being kept by a person, you probably are entitled to receive compensation from the animal's owner, and you might really need that compensation to pay your medical bills, reimburse you for lost income, pay for cosmetic surgery in the future, and help you overcome the pain and suffering from your injuries. (See Legal rights of a dog bite victim.)

After that, get medical attention. You will be in good company, because 1,000 Americans arrive in emergency rooms every day of the year because of dog bites alone! If you are wounded on the face, insist on treatment by a plastic surgeon because emergency room doctors are great at keeping people alive but not necessarily the best at making stitches and wounds look good. After that, be sure to follow the directions of the physician and take all the medications that are prescribed (except for the painkillers, which usually are at your discretion). You might also be ordered to stay out of the sun, use sun block, use scar reduction lotion, change bandages, report for follow up treatment, report for removal of stitches, massage the healing areas, etc. If so, do it!

The decision as to whether you need rabies shots must be left to your doctor. Shots are not always called for, because rabies may not be in your geographic area. Don't be alarmed if your physician tells you that you don't need this painful treatment.

If the dog owner is insured, you might get a call from an insurance company representative. You should ask him or her for the following information:

• Name of insurance company
• Address of his or her office
• Telephone number
• Claim number
• Name of the person who is insured
• The amount of money available to pay medical expenses (not everything, just medical expenses)

Do not do any of the following:

• Do not discuss money, payment of money, settlement, injury value or anything else involving money
• Do not set up an appointment
• Do not write a letter or a memo
• Do not permit yourself to be tape recorded
• Do not allow the victim to be photographed
• Do not discuss who is responsible
• Do not accept any money

Consider retaining an attorney who is experienced in dog bite cases. Read Does An Adult Need a Lawyer For a Dog Bite Claim or Should Parents Get a Lawyer For Their Injured Child.