Dog Bites
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4.5 million Americans are bitten by a dog every year. Of those people, approximately 20 percent of them require medical attention for injuries from the dog attack. Pit bulls, rottweilers and wolf hybrids are the most common breeds of dog to attack humans.
Unfortunately, the most common victims of dog bites are children. Dog bites sustained by children can result in devastating injuries, like scarred faces, that require extensive treatment and reconstructive work. Not only do children, and adults, suffer physically from dog bites, but there is often severe emotional trauma that must be overcome. A dog bite can truly change a person’s life forever.
Most dog bites can be prevented by practicing good animal etiquette. To do your best to prevent dog bites, make sure both you and your children understand how to interact with animals. Below are some tips recommended by the CDC that can help reduce your chances of being bitten by a dog:
• Stay away from dogs that you do not know.
• Do not run from a dog or show signs of fear (like screaming).
• Remain still when a strange dog approaches you.
• Avoid making direct eye contact with a dog.
• Do not disturb a dog who is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies.
• Allow a dog to sniff you first before you try to pet the animal.
• Roll into a ball if you are knocked over by a dog
A dog’s owner is responsible for any destruction or harm caused by their pet. Most homeowner’s insurance offers coverage up to $100,000 for dog bites. If a dog owner refuses to pay for costs you incur as a result of being bitten by their dog, it’s important to contact a knowledgeable dog bite attorney. An experienced attorney should be able to help you determine if you can hold a dog owner responsible for your injuries and uncover any insurance the dog owner may have.
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog and require medical treatment, it is important to speak with an attorney to learn if you can fight for compensation from the dog’s owner.
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