You're walking through a park, minding your own business, when suddenly a loose dog approaches you growling. You back away, but the dog comes after you and ends up biting you in the leg. Unfortunately, this scenario is not particularly uncommon. If you are bitten by a poorly controlled dog in a park, it's important to know the right steps you should take to ensure the dog's owner covers your medical costs and other expenses related to the injury. Yes, the dog's owner is almost always responsible for expenses related to injuries caused by the animal in a public area. The extent of liability may differ based on your locale, but no matter where you live, the process should be the same.

Step #1: Call the police.

Make sure the dog's owner does not leave the scene, and ask anyone who witnessed the bite to stay behind so that they can give statements. Calling the police ensures that you have an official report of the incident so that the dog's owner cannot later deny that his or her pet was to blame for the bite. If the owner of the dog runs off or cannot be found, still call the police before you leave the scene. This way, the police will have a report on file and can notify you if they find the guilty dog or its owner.

Step #2: Seek medical attention.

Even if your wound is minor, you should seek medical attention. Diseases such as rabies can be transmitted through dog bites, even if they are not deep. If your doctor or the local health department cannot verify that the dog has been vaccinated for rabies, you may have to undergo a series of shots to protect you from this disease.

Of course, more serious wounds that require stitches should be dealt with immediately to prevent blood loss and infection. If your wounds are severe, don't attempt to drive yourself to the hospital. Either have the police help you call an ambulance while they are on scene or call a friend to pick you up.

Step #3: Write everything down and keep accurate records.

Write down a detailed account of exactly what happened and keep your own list of witnesses' contact information. Even though the police have this information too, it's helpful to have your own copy for reference and to share with your lawyer. Keep receipts for all of your expenses related to the accident, including cab fare to the hospital, receipts for antibiotic creams, and the like. You may find out later that some expenses are not reimbursable, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Step #4: Contact a personal injury attorney.

In many cases, the dog owner's homeowner's insurance policy may end up paying for your medical expenses related to the bite. Your lawyer can communicate with the insurance company to ensure your expenses are covered to the fullest extent possible. If your expenses exceed the amount that the insurance company is willing to pay, you may be able to sue the dog's owner for the remaining costs. Your lawyer will help you determine which expenses related to the injury can be named in a personal injury case, and what amount to attempt to claim.

Laws related to dog bite cases vary by state. The best way to determine your rights and how to proceed after a dog bite incident is to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. It's always important to act quickly after a personal injury incident such as this. Make getting to the hospital for treatment your first priority, but then turn your attention to seeking reimbursement for your damages. You've already suffered the pain of a dog bite; you should not have to suffer financially, too.

Visit http://www.attorneyinjury.com/ to learn more.