How Delaying Medical Attention Can Weaken a Claim
There are a range of reasons why people put off medical care after a dog bite. Many feel embarrassed, hope the injury will heal on its own, or simply want to avoid the inconvenience and cost of a doctor’s visit. And in some cases, people delay treatment because they know the dog’s owner personally and do not want to create conflict.
Dog bites can be both physically and emotionally overwhelming, but prompt medical care is one of the most important steps you can take. Whether the bite just occurred or you’ve already waited to seek treatment, prioritizing your health strengthens your recovery. Share where you are today with an Atlanta dog bite lawyer so they can guide you through the legal recovery process.
Protecting Your Health and Your Legal Rights
From a medical standpoint, dog bite injuries are rarely as simple as they first appear. Even small punctures can introduce bacteria deep into the tissue, leading to infections that may require antibiotics, wound care, or even surgery if left untreated. Swelling, nerve damage, tissue loss, and scarring can emerge hours or days later. If a dog was not properly vaccinated, there may also be concerns regarding rabies or other transmissible conditions. Waiting to see a doctor allows these complications to progress, increasing both health risks and recovery time
Delaying medical care can also weaken a personal injury claim. Insurance companies often look for gaps or inconsistencies in treatment to argue that the injury was not serious or was caused by something unrelated to the bite. If you wait several days or weeks before seeing a physician, the insurer may assert that you contributed to the severity of the condition by not acting sooner. Timely medical documentation is critical because it creates a clear record of the injury, the cause, and the recommended course of care.
In short, immediate medical attention does more than protect your health, it strengthens the evidentiary foundation of your case. A doctor can document the wound, assess for infection, evaluate how the injury may impact your ability to work, and determine whether you will need follow-up treatment. These records become essential when calculating compensation. A full recovery package will include funds for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term consequences of the bite.
Steps to Take If You Delayed Care
If you have already waited to see a physician, there is still time to protect your health and your claim. Seek medical attention as soon as possible and be honest with your provider about the timeline of events. Follow all treatment recommendations and maintain copies of your records, including photos of the injury as it heals. You should also contact an Atlanta dog bite lawyer promptly.
How long did you wait to see a healthcare professional? If you didn’t see a doctor right away, the knowledgeable lawyers at Zagoria Neely Injury can help explain the delay, gather evidence that supports your case, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.
