Jaunts

I usually carry antibiotic ointment and a couple of band aids in my suitcase. I also carry a small vial of superglue that I can use if I get a scratch, paper cut or break a fingernail when I travel. Superglue works great on small cuts. After decades of traveling for work, I've learned that it is smart to keep a couple of first aid items in my bag, and it doesn't take up much room.

I've been scratched and bitten by a dog before, and it drew blood. I didn't call paramedics, and I lived. This is my experience and my opinion. As I said, my main concern would have been Rabies.

garykung

You can correct - it should never be. But think about this - who will pay for the fees?

JBord

My mindset with injuries is usually somewhere around "rub some dirt on it and walk it off". It would probably cross my mind to do the same here. But as soon as someone mentioned the word "rabies" I think I'd leap into action. The last thing I want to deal with in the middle of a trip, nowhere near my home or my doctor, is a health issue I know little about. In that case, better to have a professional treat and explain rabies to me than figure it out on my own. Some people may have more knowledge and be ok waiting, but I don't know much about rabies and maybe the OP doesn't either.

Bottom line is you should not expect a dog in a hotel, and you certainly should not expect that dog to bite you. There's likely a little shock and surprise when something like this happens. I'm not sure whether a lawsuit is warranted, that's up to the OP, but I don't think anything he described is an over-reaction for the average person.

The_Bouncer

The bottom line is the OP has a right to walk around a hotel lobby without being injured (however slightly or severely) by someone else's dog.

If you choose to own a dog, you are responsible for the damage it causes.

LondonElite

I wonder what would have happened if the OP bit the dog back.

JBord

Double lawsuit and the paramedics would have treated the dog first.

MSPeconomist

Arrest for animal cruelty.

JBord

He could claim self-defense.

deac83

What I know about rabies, is that unless you have proof the dog has been vaccinated they have to quarantine the dog for 10 days. If the dog dies, from rabies, then you have some serious issues. Without the professionals involved the heath department doesn't get involved and there are minimal records and requirements put on the owner. As far as I can tell this all was a pretty standard procedure for a dog bite, they were not doing anything unique for me. The health department will do the follow up with the owner and get the appropriate authorities involved if required.

oranjemakker

Well not sure what country the poster was referring to but in New Zealand, where I live we have a compulsory Govt insurance programme called ACC (Accident Compensation Commission) that provides insurance for accidents (workplace and elsewhere) on a no fault basis. This covers the gamut from workplace injuries, medical misadventure, falls, DIY snafus like falling off ladders, sports injuries and yes dog bites. Not only is the medical cover fully funded to a standard of private care, it covers complementary treatments like physio etc. and if time off work compensation at a high percentage of salary. And because of this there is no ability to file personal injury lawsuits. You can sue for negligence I think but the awards are very small so in most cases no one does (certainly not for something like this). So if this happened in NZ the OP would be covered for all medical treatment, and only other penalties would be i guess if the dog was deemed dangerous by animal control officers etc.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accide...on_Corporation

(I must say reading this thread with all the exhortations to sue left right centre its quite nice to live in a country where this doesn't happen)

ajamieson

I mean, people on here complain about noisy a/c units and missed wake-up calls. If it was me attacked by an animal in the elevator of my hotel I'd want appropriate redress. If the hotel didn't help beyond the bare minimum and the responsible guest didn't care, I'd absolutely consider legal action.

garykung

Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages. ACC makes thing simple. But it does not mean it is a fair system. Lawsuit are invasive, and yet achieve the nececessary result.

Voodoo Daddy

This is the point. If you're willing to seek compensation for anything in a hotel, being attacked by an animal in the elevator seems like a pretty obvious one.

deac83

An update: 7 days after the biting incident, the owner has not sent the rabies certificate to the health department.

Maestro Ramen

Go get yourself vaccinated my friend. Better safe than sorry.