Being bitten by a dog is a traumatic experience, and while seeking immediate medical attention is crucial, there are a few critical steps you should take before reaching a doctor. But beyond first aid, one of the most important things you can do is protect your legal rights.
If you’ve suffered a dog bite, Herrman & Herrman Personal Injury Lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve. Here’s what to do right away—and why legal representation matters.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
1. Get to Safety
After a dog bite, your first priority is to move away from the animal to prevent further injury. Find a safe place and, if possible, identify the dog and its owner. This information will be important for medical and legal purposes.
2. Control the Bleeding
Press the wound gently to encourage some bleeding, which helps flush out bacteria. If the bleeding is heavy, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage.
3. Clean the Wound Thoroughly
Use soap and warm water to clean the wound, taking extra care to rinse out all soap to avoid irritation. Running the wound under water for five to ten minutes can help remove bacteria.
4. Cover the Wound
After cleaning, apply a clean cloth or bandage. While antibiotics aren’t always necessary, they can help reduce the risk of infection.
5. Seek Medical Attention—Even for Minor Bites
Dog bites can introduce serious infections, and some wounds may require stitches. If the wound is deep, or if there’s any concern about rabies, a doctor’s visit is a must.
6. Watch for Signs of Infection
Redness, swelling, or worsening pain after 24 hours could indicate an infection. If you notice these symptoms, seek medical care immediately.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a Dog Bite
Even a seemingly minor dog bite can lead to medical bills, lost wages, and long-term health complications. That’s why it’s crucial to consult an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Herrman & Herrman Personal Injury Lawyers can help you:
✅ Hold the Dog Owner Accountable – Texas dog bite laws can be complex. We’ll investigate the case, determine liability, and fight for your rights.
✅ Secure Compensation for Medical Bills & Lost Wages – From emergency care to ongoing treatment, we’ll ensure you get the financial support you need.
✅ Protect Your Rights Against Insurance Companies – Insurance providers may try to downplay your injuries or deny your claim. We won’t let them.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, don’t wait—contact Herrman & Herrman Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’ll handle the legal battle while you focus on healing.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
