With the increase in dog bite injuries over the past decade, it is important to be prepared for what to do after a dog attack or injury. These helpful tips will be useful if you or a loved one is been bitten by a dog.

Immediately following a dog bite:

• Use soap and water to wash the wound.
• Keep the injury elevated above the level of the heart to slow swelling and prevent infection.
• Apply pressure with a clean towel to the injured part to stop the bleeding.
• Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.
• Report the incident to the proper authority in your community (e.g., police or animal control).
• Apply antibiotic ointment to the area 2 times every day until it heals.
• Go to the emergency room or doctor if your injuries are severe or the wound does not begin healing after several days.

Consult a medical professional if:

• You have any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, increased tenderness, oozing of pus from the wound, or fever.
• You have a dog bite on your hand, foot or head, or if the injury is deep or gaping.
• You have bleeding that hasn't stopped after 15 minutes of pressure.
• You think you may have a broken bone, nerve damage or other serious injury.
• You have diabetes, liver or lung disease, cancer, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), or other conditions that weaken your ability to fight infection.
• Your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago.

Physical injuries caused by dog bites come in many forms and are usually extremely painful and many times cause scarring and/or disfigurement. Because of the force that many dogs have when biting, x-rays are frequently necessary to determine if there are broken bones or deep tissue damage. Orthopedic or plastic surgery might be recommended if these types of injuries are evident.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a dog bite or animal attack, you need the representation of an experienced Nevada dog bite injury lawyer at Bisnar & Chase. Our attorneys have successfully recovered damages for dog bite victims and appropriately held negligent dog owners responsible for injuries and hardships resulting from the attack.

If you have been the victim of a dog bite or animal attack, contact a reputable dog bite lawyer at Bisnar & Chase today for your free legal consultation or click here to fill out our convenient on-line evaluation form and begin protecting your rights.

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