Even if you own and love dogs, not all people may control or train their canines effectively. This can lead to unpredictable results if you visit a home with an unleashed dog. If they bite you, you could experience severe injuries that require medical treatment and time off from work. Thankfully, a personal injury attorney can help hold the liable parties responsible and ensure you receive compensation for the issue. Below is a brief introduction to the laws surrounding dog bites in Montana.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite?

Montana law follows the principle of strict liability, which means that the dog's owners are automatically responsible for any injuries caused if their pet attacks someone without provocation. This applies to bites that occur in public, as well as the owner’s private property if the victim was invited. As long as you weren’t provoking the dog or trespassing, a personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?

Collect Information

If you’re physically able, try to identify the dog that attacked you. This involves finding out where it lives and getting the owner's name before seeking medical attention. If there were any witnesses to the attack, get their names and phone numbers, as your personal injury attorney may need this information. Collecting these details helps you inform the relevant authorities about the incident so that they can investigate it. It will also streamline the process of filing a personal injury claim.

File a Report

Most counties require every dog bite to be documented, so file a report with your local animal control department. If you’re not sure who to contact, call the nonemergency number for the police. This allows the department to send an officer to your location to write a report, which can be a valuable piece of evidence when you go to court. This helps prove that the dog’s owner is liable for your injuries.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if your injuries don’t seem serious, visit the emergency room immediately. Dogs have considerable bacteria in their mouths, which means the bite may get infected. Additionally, you may not fully develop symptoms for several hours, and seeing a doctor immediately can prevent the injury from worsening. The medical records linking your injuries to the dog bite can also help your attorney prove liability.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog anywhere in Montana, contact the personal injury attorneys at Bothe & Lauridsen PC in Columbia Falls. They’ve been serving accident victims throughout the state since 1970 and have earned a reputation as one of the region’s leading personal injury firms. Visit the website to learn how they can help you file a claim, and call (406) 892-2193 to schedule an initial consultation.