Law enforcement authorities are permitted to use dogs in their duties. In fact, the dogs are often regarded as officers who sometimes are decorated with medals for their exemplary work in apprehending dangerous criminals and assisting in complicated investigations. Nevertheless, a big number of people suffer police dog bites as a result of mishandling, which is deliberate in many instances. If you or any of your loved ones fall victim to a bite from a police dog, you should not remain silent. Here is a quick overview of what you should do following a police dog attack and bite.
Heal the Wound
Like a bite from any other animal, a dog bite is painful. In fact, it comes with more suffering. The most judicious idea is to seek medical attention before you do anything else. While police dogs are assumed to have been vaccinated against such diseases as rabies, there is no wisdom in taking chances. Remember that any dog bite, irrespective of how big or small it is, has visible and hidden dangers to your health.
Seek Legal Redress
Like the government, the police department is a powerful organization. Thus, many people are terrified by the thought of being involved in tussle involving the police—legal or otherwise. Nonetheless, there is no reason other than fear to be afraid of getting justice after police dog bites. The law is explicit on circumstances under which the police should use their dogs while fulfilling their duties.
Keep in mind that the police must have enough (and reasonable) reasons for allowing the dog to bite anyone. Among other requirements, the police must be convinced that the person in question is responsible for a criminal act and the only way of apprehending them is through the use of their dogs. Therefore, if you are innocent of any wrongdoing, you will easily win compensation from the police. Put in another way, it is a crime for police dogs to bite innocent people.
Last Thoughts
All over the world, many people have suffered bites from police dogs. Many of them are fatal while others at least require surgery. While they are guardians of the law, the police and other government institutions are not immune to it. Remember that you can still get justice after suffering police dog attacks or bites even when you were a suspect at the time of the bite. This is especially true in case where there is proof that the crime you are suspected of committing is non-violent, you did not have a weapon, and you did not resist or try to escape.
Leave a Reply