Experts agree that it is important to seek medical attention if you have been bitten by a dog.  Although dogs account for a very small number of all animal attacks in the United States every year, one in five dog bites require medical attention.  Several different organizations including the United States Postal Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage dog bite victims to seek medical attention unless the bite only consists of a minor cut or bruise that is not bleeding or swelling.  If it is only a minor injury, most experts agree that it is alright to treat yourself.

Times when you should not treat yourself and immediately seek medical attention are when you can’t control the bleeding within a minute or two, if you are bitten anywhere on the hand or face, if you have other medical conditions, if your last tetanus shot was more than 10 years ago or if you don’t know the dog that bit you.

If you or someone you know has been attacked by a dog, contact the Coral Springs dog bite lawyers of the Law Offices of Eric G. Canter, P.A. by calling 866-529-0022.