- 4.7 million people in this country are bitten by dogs every year
- Children are by far the most common victims
- 800,000 Americans receive medical attention for dog bites each year
- Children are far more likely to be severely injured; approximately 400,000 receive medical attention every year
- Most dog bites affecting young children occur during everyday activities and while interacting with familiar dogs
- Senior citizens are the second most dog bite victims
- Almost one half of all dog bites involve an animal owned by the victim’s family or neighbors.
There are a number of things that you can do to avoid dog bites, ranging from properly training and socializing your pet to educating your children on how, or if, they should approach a dog. Information is one of the best cures for this public health crisis.
Dogs can play an important role in family life. As the canine population grows, so does the need for guidance to prevent dog bites. Prevention can begin with information from primary care professionals and veterinarians. Because a large percentage of dog bite victims are younger than 14 years, it is appropriate to begin prevention education with children and parents. Families acquiring a pet should consider their home environment and be told that a dog younger than four months is preferred. An older dog should not be introduced into a household with children because the dog’s behavior cannot be predicted. Prospective dog owners should obtain breed-specific information before getting a new dog.
Some breeds of dogs are more likely to attack despite training. Aggressive and more dangerous dog breeds include:
- Siberian Husky
- Chow Chow
- Pit Bull
- Bull Terrier
- Cocker Spaniel
- Doberman Pinscher
- German Shepherd
What to do if you think a dog may attack
If you are approached by a dog who may attack you, follow these steps:
- Resist the impulse to scream and run away.
- Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog.
- Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight.
- If the dog does attack, “feed” him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.
- If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.
What to do if you are bitten by a dog
If you are bitten or attacked by a dog, try not to panic.
- Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water.
- Contact your physician for additional care and advice.
- Report the bite to your local animal care and control agency. Tell the animal control official everything you know about the dog, including his owner’s name and the address where he lives. If the dog is a stray, tell the animal control office what the dog looks like, where you saw him and where he may have went.
The attorneys at the Liljegren Law Group are experienced in handling dog bite and dog attack cases and will help you understand all of your rights and obligations. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog contact our office as soon as possible at 866-613-9906 to ensure all legal deadlines are met. It is important to have experienced California dog bite attorneys to evaluate the facts of your injury and get you the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have years of successful experience in dog bite cases and will provide the skilled representation you need to be fully compensated for you or your loved ones injuries.