Dog Bites
YOUR LEGAL SUPPORT AFTER A DOG ATTACK
When a dog bite attack occurs, the repercussions can be catastrophic. While dogs are cherished family members offering companionship and love, they can also inflict severe injuries resulting in permanent disfigurement, nerve damage, infections, and even fatalities. Shockingly, between 2005 and 2018, dog attacks resulted in 471 deaths, with pit bulls accounting for 66% of these incidents.
In addition to the physical injuries, survivors of dog attacks often struggle with lasting psychological damage, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In these trying times, a Alpha’s dog bite lawyer is your dedicated legal ally, ready to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
DOG BITE STATISTICS: INSIGHTS FROM ALPHA LAW FIRM’S DOG BITE LAWYER
Alpha Law Firm is well-versed in the alarming statistics surrounding dog attacks:
- Each year, approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur in the United States
- Over 800,000 of these incidents require medical care
- More than half of these victims are bitten by dogs they know, usually within their own home
- Households with two or more dogs are five times more likely to be bitten
- Children are the most common victims of dog bites, with the majority bitten by dogs they are familiar with
- Senior citizens rank as the second most common victims of dog bites, followed by postal carriers.
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM DOG BITES
If confronted by a dog, avoid running and stand still, as most dogs will move away once they realize you are not a threat.
Implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of dog bites, including:
- Never interfere with a dog caring for its puppies.
- Avoid startling a sleeping dog or throwing objects in its direction.
- Do not disturbing a dog while it is eating or drinking.
- If you feel threatened by a dog, refrain from running, as a dog’s instinct may be to chase you. Remain calm and speak firmly without screaming.
- Exercise caution when children are around dogs, including family pets, as most dog bites occur with children.
- In the case of a potential dog attack, stay motionless with your hands at your sides, slowly backing away until the dog is out of sight.
- In the event of a dog attack, create a barrier between yourself and the dog using your jacket, purse, bicycle, or any available object.
- If knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands covering your ears and remain still. Avoid screaming or rolling.
Despite taking these preventive measures, dog bites can still occur. Seek immediate emergency medical attention if a dog bites you or your child.
Similar to teaching children safety in various situations, educate them on avoiding dog bites. Important lessons for children include:
- Refraining from teasing or chasing dogs
- Staying away from unfamiliar dogs
- Treating all dogs as potentially dangerous
- Avoiding being alone with dogs
- Not approaching restrained or confined dogs
- Not approaching barking dogs
- Never taking a dog’s toy or food
- Do not disturb a sleeping dog.
If you or a loved one have suffered a serious injury due to a dog bite, contact us as soon as possible. We are Michigan’s most experienced personal injury law firm, and we are ready to help you through the legal process.