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Maryland Association of Justice 
Washington DC Dog Bite Lawyer
Dogs bite 4.7 million people a year. If you are one of those people, you are entitled to civil remedies that include payment of doctor's bills, money for pain and suffering, and the assurance that the dog that attacked has been vaccinated for rabies so you do not have to be given those shots. This law firm can help you obtain the civil remedies you are entitled to.
What do you do if you are one of the 4.7 million people each year who are bitten by a dog? If you can, positively identify the dog and its' owner. If you are one of the 800,000 Americans who are bitten severely enough to require medical attention, go to the Emergency Room. Be sure you report the dog bite to the doctor who sees you there. Call Animal Control and report the bite, as well. Make a report to the police about the attack. It is important to document what happened and report it to the authorities as soon as possible so that the dog may be picked up and tested for rabies. If the dog cannot be found, you will need to take the vaccinations for rabies. These are now given in the buttocks, not the stomach, but they are not fun.
The other reason to report the attack is to document it for a civil suit. If the attack is well documented, with pictures taken by a doctor, police officer, or animal control officer, it will make recovering civil damages to pay for your doctor's bills, loss of work time, and pain and suffering easier. In addition, Washington, DC, law provides for a fine of up to $10,000 for someone who allows a dangerous dog to roam loose. By reporting the bite, you increase the likelihood that the owner will be held responsible for the actions of his or her dog.
When you seek medical attention for your dog bite, inform the doctor you see that you intend to take legal action against the dog owner. Federal law says you have a right to a copy of your medical records. Make sure you ask for a copy of them before you leave the emergency room. When you report the bite to Animal Control and to the Police, ask for the report number and find out when you can obtain a copy of the report. In most cases, it is within 48 hours. There may be a small charge for these reports. However, obtaining them now will make things easier when you take action against the dog's owner.
Do not worry if you have not been able to obtain these reports. While it is easier to take action if you have them, it is still possible to obtain civil remedies against the dog owner without them.
If you have been the victim of a dog attack requiring medical attention, please contact our law firm for an evaluation of your case. We will do our best to help get you the settlement you deserve.