What to do after a dog bite?

Imagine that you are walking in the park when a dog runs up to you and bites you in the leg or arm. Orthe neighbor’s dog that is startled and bites you. Every year many people become victims of a dog bite. But what to do if you are a victim of a dog bite? Because a dog bite can be dangerous and lead to serious injuries. In addition, the injuries sustained can cause damage. This damage is called personal injury.

Dog bite is dangerous for health

A dog bite can lead to serious injury. One of the dangers of a dog bite (Dutch: hondenbeet) is a tetanus infection. Tetanus is a serious, but also a contagious disease. This is caused by the tetanus bacteria. Tetanus can cause serious health problems and if you have been bitten by a dog, the risk of this infection is high.

Because you can contract tetanus as a result of a dog bite, it is very important to always see a doctor after a dog bite. A doctor can assess if for example, a tetanus shot is needed.

Injury from a dog bite

In addition to this infection, you can also suffer other physical injuries as a result of the bite. Examples include scars, an open wound, muscle damage, amputation of fingers or a hand, and nerve injuries. In other words, the harmful health effects from a dog bite can be enormous.

Personal damage as a result of a dog bite

Injury and thus damage to health not only lead to complaints and limitations, but also to damage as a result. Because, for example, due to the dog bite, it is no longer possible to perform the work. But damage also occurs in areas other than income. Consider, for example, the household or limitations and therefore damage in the field of maintenance of the house or garden. A dog bite can therefore also have major financial consequences.

Who is liable for a dog bite?

If you have been bitten by a dog, then the question is who is liable for the damage you suffer as a result. This is the dog owner in most countries. He must therefore be held liable for the injury. You can do this yourself, or have it done by a personal injury lawyer. You can find these in all major cities. For example, in the Netherlands you can hire a personal injury lawyer in Utrecht (Dutch: letselschade advocaat Utrecht) to recover your personal injury claims.

Liability is done by means of a liability claim. This states when you were bitten by a dog, what injuries you sustained and what damage you suffer as a result. But in this letter, you also hold the owner of the dog liable and you interrupt the statute of limitations.

Which damage is compensated?

All damage as a result of the dog bite must in principle be compensated. You can discuss which damage items are relevant in your case with your personal injury lawyer. The following damage items are common:

– Income loss due to incapacity for work

– Damage due to a study delay

– Pension damage

– Medical expenses

– Domestic help

– Sorrow money.