Got bit by a dog....?

Question

I was at a wedding this past weekend, and got bit by a German Shepherd in the neck. I went to the hospital and had to get stitches. I have no idea if this dog has rabies or not, but the police department said that they were going to get the dog and quarentine it for 10 days. Its an outside dog, and we were going to send the owners of the dog my medical bills. So far they have been really mean. They never asked if I was okay. They just b-ched at me and said what the F*ck were you doing by my dog. Also you better not sue us because we know where you live. etc....How common is it for a dog to have rabies? What should I do about this?

Answer 1

Whoever has the dog in quarentine will demand proof of rabies from the owner. They should be able to tell you if they got it.
The rabies vaccine is actually good for at least 7 yrs, so don't worry is the dog is out of date.
http://www.news.wisc.edu/releases/8413.html
Most likely, a city dog will not have rabies in the first place unless he has contact with wildlife.
As for the owners and their additude---Sue them!

Answer 2

This is a bad situations all around....The dogs should have had rabies shots...most places require them....but check is never a bad thing.....As far as them being held liable...there are so many things that the courts will consider, if it goes that far....Where it happened(was it on thier property or public), did the dogs go after you or did you approach the dog....I do think the owners need to be more respectful though....I know that if my dogs ever did that, I would be very cooperative. And you do have the right to sue....and if they threaten you then talk to the police. Most reasonable people would offer to pay, especially if this happened away from their home....Once the rabies check is OK, then I would worry about getting compinsated....Be ready for a battle though...it sounds like these people don't want to take any blaime, which means in order to get anything you will probly have to go to court....

Answer 3

First, go to the police and file a restraining order. Next, go to an attorney. Do these things on the same day, and don't let time pass. I don't think it's very common for a dog to have rabies because I don't hear of it too often, but if that dog just attacked you out of no where without being provoked it needs to be put down because it could do it again to someone who might not get away. Wow, good luck!

Answer 4

Id be more worried about the owners than the dog!!! But i would not stand for their bullying and intimidation they are in the wrong for letting their uncontrollable dog out, its not that common for dogs to have rabies these days, and im sure you will have had some kind of signs now if it had. If you are worried ask for a tetanus jab this will protect you from other things the bite can cause.

Answer 5

What kind of ppl are they ? Are they morons? I mean honestly ,my dog bit a girl last year and I paid all of her hospital bills and I called her every other day to ask if she was alright. She told me yes and that she never saw anybody as nice as I was about the way my dog acted. I even paid for her blouse because it was torn and it was a nice blouse. I treat ppl the way I would want to be treated. Also that was a verbal threat they gave you and where I live they could be locked up for that . you need to report their behavior and their threats to the police dept. They should not have this dog if they cant control it. My dog is a yorkie that bit the girl on her hand.I still took the responsibility which is what these ppl should have done. They are truly ignorant if they think this is not their responsiblity. Good Luck . make them pay show them what ignorance can get them.

Answer 6

It is insane and extremely irresponsible for them to have treated you the way they have. Legally they have to provide proof of the dog's rabies vaccine. I do not think it is common but because of their behavior and obvious lack of common sense I would do whatever I needed to be sure the dog does not have rabies.

As for their threats, I agree with the other poster get a restraining order NOW and call a lawyer to sue them for your medical costs and such. Your restraining order and their threats are just going to make them look worse in court. It is so sad that dog has such bad owners.

Answer 7

it's not a common thing, but the dog has to be quarantined, preferably by the health department. I would not put it past the owners to suddenly 'lose' the dog to avoid fines and responsibility.
You need to tell the cops that they owners have threatened you with physical harm for reporting the incident, They are obviously poor owners and not good folks. I doubt they are going to cover your medical bills.
Talk to your doc about starting the rabies series on you and if it needs to be started now or if waiting is safe.

Answer 8

Hire a lawyer and sue the crap out of the owner. Dont let them threaten you, call the cops and have them taken to jail for terroistic threats. Rabies is common for unvacinated dogs.

Answer 9

RESPONSIBLE pet owners WATCH their dog, they PREVENT POTENTIAL problems. Those people sound like the opposite. No matter though. THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE for the dogs actions. unless of course you scaled a fence or something to pet the nice doggy....
Ignore them, the mouths of fools are often shut rather quickly. Not common for rabies- most dogs thankfully have their vaccinations- it is possible, but the precautions are being taken:dog quarantine for 10 days.
Good luck with this, hope you recover soon!

Answer 10

Its not all that common for a dog to have rabies but is possible. Your Dr. will know what to do and as far as them saying you better not sue us...GO FOR IT! A responsible pet owner would NEVER allow their pet to who is obviously aggressive to run free. These people shouldn't be allowed to keep that pet ESPECIALLY after it has bitten a person.