While traveling may put you in a different state of mind, it doesn’t eliminate the risks you might face at home. Falls, car accidents, and dog bites are unfortunately common during vacation, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local area.
Harvard Health notes that over 4.5 million people are bitten in America every year, many of whom may require hospitalization or medical care. The situation becomes slightly more complicated if you’re traveling, as now you must coordinate medical treatment and a potential insurance claim while away from home. In this article, we’ll discuss the key points to consider if you are bitten on vacation.
Call the Police and Note the Animal’s Description
Controlling the animal is the primary concern, regardless of whether you are bitten by a neighbor’s pet or a stray while on vacation. Defend yourself as necessary, then move to a safe location and call the local police. Inform them of the dog’s potential breed, its size and coat color, and any distinctive markings.
The police should send out an animal control unit that can restrain the dog, then take it to a local facility for an examination.
If the owner is on site, ask for their contact information and, if possible, their homeowners’ insurance policy. Otherwise, Animal Control should check the dog’s microchip, which will reveal the owner’s information.
Request a copy of the report from the police; it can be used to file an insurance claim.
Seek Medical Treatment and Consider Itinerary Adjustments
Always go to the hospital for an animal bite, especially if you do not know if the dog was vaccinated for rabies. You may have to receive a round of antibiotics, vaccinations, and anti-inflammatories. Some severe injuries require sutures or even reconstructive surgery.
Let your doctors know you were on vacation and ask whether it’s safe for you to travel given your condition. Depending on your injuries, you may not be cleared to fly immediately or may be advised to stay for further treatment. Keep track of any additional expenses for hotels, ticket reimbursements, and alternate arrangements like extending a rental car.
If you are traveling for work, let your company know that you may not be able to complete your work. You might not be able to claim workers’ compensation unless the animal bite was directly connected to your employment, such as if you were bitten by a client’s pet during a meeting.
Contact a Local Personal Injury Attorney
You may be tempted to wait until you get home to contact a personal injury lawyer, but you need a local law firm to represent you. Attorneys must be licensed to practice in the state where the incident occurred.
While many attorneys are licensed in multiple states, this isn’t true of every law firm. For example, if you were injured while on vacation in Chicago, a Michigan attorney may not be able to practice law in Illinois.
Another reason to work with a local attorney is that they are highly familiar with the local court system and state law. Dog bite injury lawyers Chicago firms hire must be familiar with the Chicago municipal code and the Illinois Animal Control Act. They’ll also understand the specific procedures of the Circuit Court of Cook County, which makes the process run more smoothly.
You may need to return to the area several times for your lawsuit, though lawyers understand that out-of-town litigants may not be able to attend every hearing. By letting them know you are not local to the area, they can adjust their legal process to meet your needs and limit unnecessary meetings.
Continue Follow-Up Care at Home
Dog bites often become infected, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. Additionally, some severe bites require surgery or result in nerve damage, which needs ongoing care.
As such, it’s crucial to follow up with your physician upon returning home. Take photos of the healing process, and consult your doctor if you notice symptoms such as redness, swelling, or pain.
Another key reason to continue your follow-up treatment is that this helps substantiate your claim. Typically, your attorney will seek payment from the dog owner’s insurance company, such as their homeowners’ insurance or renters’ insurance. The insurance company may deny your claim if you do not continue following your physician’s orders, including things like physical therapy or antibiotics.
Document each appointment and keep track of medical expenses, including copays for antibiotics or painkillers. These, in addition to time off work, can be used to calculate how much you should receive for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
No one wants to be bitten by an animal, especially on vacation. Unfortunately, the stress of traveling can often bring out the worst in everyone, including pets or local animals. Always seek medical care, then consult with a legal professional about your options for financial compensation. This way, you can be ready for your next adventure sooner than ever.
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