Even a dog that has never shown signs of aggression can end up in a situation where they bite a human being. If you are the owner of that dog, you may find yourself dealing with insurance claims, medical bills, and even potentially litigation as a result of your dog’s actions.
What should you do if your dog bites someone? We have a few ideas for how to defuse the situation and what to do next.
Stay Calm and Don’t Argue
In the aftermath of a dog bite situation, even one with light or no injury to the bitten person, tensions will run high. Getting into an argument helps no one, and any tension or hostility may cause the dog to feel threatened and bite again.
The other person will be making a few decisions about filing an insurance claim, seeking medical attention, and whether or not to hire a Personal Injury attorney after a dog bite, so it’s in everyone’s best interests to keep things calm and polite.
The two parties involved may discover that they are able to come to an agreement about reimbursement for potential injuries or other incurred costs as a result of the dog bite on their own, but this is far less likely if an argument breaks out at the scene.
After the dog has been separated from the person who was bitten, speak calmly about what happened and move on to the next step.
Exchange Contact Information
If the person who was bitten by your dog is a family member, friend, or other loved one, you may already have all the information you need.
If the person who was bitten is not someone you know very well, be sure to take the time to exchange contact details like name, phone number, and insurance company if filing a claim.
If the situation took place away from home, you will also want to give them your address.
If they intend to seek medical attention in the aftermath of the bite, you may need to file a claim with homeowner’s insurance. The most common way that people bitten by dogs recoup their medical expenses is through homeowner’s insurance claims.
Was anyone else nearby who witnessed the bite? Be sure to get their name and phone number as well, as they’ll be able to help fill in details that you and the other person involved may not remember after the fact.
What If Your Dog Bit Someone in Defense?
Many dog bites occur when the dog feels its or its owner’s safety is threatened in some way.
Whether it’s a case of breaking and entering, mugging, a person provoking your dog, or another situation in which you, family members or loved ones, or your dog were put in physical danger due to the person who was bitten, please get to a safe place and call the police.
Let them know the situation and any and all details you have available.
South Carolina allows for the provocation defense (IE, that your dog was provoked into attacking the other person) and you will want to ensure that all documentation makes the provocation clear as soon as possible.
Will Your Dog Be Taken Away If It Bites Someone?
There isn’t a strict yes or no answer to this question, because situations in which dogs choose to bite vary so greatly.
It is true that once a dog bites a human, law enforcement becomes involved. Under South Carolina law, a dog’s owner (or anyone in possession of the dog at the time of the bite) can be held legally liable for injuries resulting from the dog bite if it occurred without provocation.
In some situations, dogs may be required to spend time in quarantine after biting a human being (with quarantine occasionally being able to take place within the dog’s home). In cases involving severe injuries, the dog may be removed permanently or even euthanized.
This is why it’s essential to have every single detail about the event fully documented as soon as possible.
Facing Potential Litigation After a Dog Bite?
Bluestein Attorneys is here to help. Our attorneys have experience in the area of Personal Injury and would be happy to speak with you about your unique situation. Request your FREE consultation by giving us a call at (803) 779-7599 or contacting us online at any time.
