INJURY | PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER | PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY | INJURIES

The majority of dog bite incidents are not from unknown dogs; 77% of people bitten are bitten by a friend’s dog and half of all dog bites occur at the dog’s home. Since most of us do not keep mean pets, it is important to remember that certain precautions should be taken even around our sweet, loving four-legged family members.

In 33 states, the owner of a dog is completely responsible if his dogs hurts, or worse, kills a person. Many other states are in the process of passing similar bills. The very significant incident that propelled many of these legislations that hold dog owners accountable was a San Francisco, CA case in which a lawyer’s dogs attacked and killed Diane Whipple. Majorie Knoller and her husband were both sentenced to time in prison and hefty fines, and were held liable to Whipple’s death as well. This case of family pets attacking a neighbor reminds us to take special care when dealing with any animal, whether we know him or not.

Many studies have attempted to quantify the relationship between dog breed and chance of attack, although the reliability of these studies has been questioned. It is imperative that those without prior experience with dogs seek professional help in training their first furry friend. Some dogs may be predisposed to having aggressive personalities but good training can greatly reduce the risk of such aggressive traits becoming a reality. As well, a dog that is not prone to be violent may be if not handled and treated correctly. In general, we need to bear in mind that like us, dogs are not always predictable and we should always be mindful of their aggressive tendencies.

Injuries from animals include bites, animal attacks, riding injuries, kicks, and scratches. They can occur from animals such as:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Horses
• Snakes
• Hamsters and rats
• Wild animals

Dog bites are the most common type of animal bites. Dozens of people are killed by dog bites each year, and millions are injured. Dog bites, even if they don’t break skin, should receive medical attention for possible infection because of the high level of bacteria in a dog’s saliva. Dog bites usually occur because of owner negligence, and states have laws that prosecute individuals for owning dogs who are likely to attack or failing to control their dogs. Contact a personal injury attorney to have your questions answered and in order to understand your rights. Dogs bite because they are protecting a person or property, they feel cornered because they are chained or tethered, or they are part of a pack and have developed a wild pack mentality. In all of these cases, dogs have been inadequately trained and controlled. Almost one half of dog bites involves the dog’s family or immediate neighbors, and many of the victims are children. Owners are responsible for dog bites if the owner ordered the dog to attack, or if the person knowingly kept a dog that has bitten before. The owners are also responsible if they have been negligent, such as allowing their dogs to run free or putting their dogs in an improperly fenced area. Personal injury claims can be filed in these and other instances; contact an injury lawyer for more information. Dogs that bite people often inflict more than just a bite; people can suffer from scratches, punctures, broken bones, loss of fingers, ears or lips, sprains and infections such as rabies. Symptoms of infections include fever, rash, pain, inflammation, oozing, headache and vomiting. If a dog bites you, immediately move to a safe area away from the dog. Wash your wound with warm, soapy water, preferably with antibacterial soap. Seek medical services in order to prevent infection and if you need stitches. Contact your animal control agency and give them the location, description and any other information about the dog. Adequately document your would by taking pictures, measuring the size of the wound, getting doctor’s and animal control officer’s reports, etc.