Dog Bites

 

Almost five million people are bitten by dogs every year. Approximately 800,000 people require medical attention for dog bites each year, and many will need hospital care. And each year 26 people die from dog bites. Most of those bitten are children, and a majority of these bites are in the face.

 

Pit bulls, chows, wolf-dog hybrids and other aggressive breeds are responsible for an overwhelming majority of all attacks. In nearly two-thirds of these attacks, the dogs had never bitten or shown aggressive behavior before. However, any breed of dog can bite. Labradors and Dalmatians might have a reputation as a family dog, but given the right circumstances they can become vicious.

 

Bite Prevention

  • Never pet a dog without asking the owner's permission. If the owner gives the OK, approach the dog slowly, and let the dog sniff your hand. Only then should you pet the dog.
  • Never pet a dog that is behind a fence they will most likely bite because they are protecting their owner’s property.
  • Never try to pet a dog sitting in their owner's car. Dogs are very protective of their space, as well as that of their owner.
  • Never approach a dog that is sleeping or eating. If they are startled or frightened then they are more likely to bite.
  • Never pet a dog that is playing with a toy. The dog may think you are trying to take the toy from them.

 

What to Do if You are Bitten

 

Be sure you are able to identify the animal that bit you. If it was a stray you may face the possibility of painful rabies shots. Do not try to yank yourself away from the dog because they will just bite down harder. If you were attacked by a dog being kept by a person, you may be entitled to receive compensation from the animal's owner. This can be used to pay your medical bills, pay for future cosmetic surgery that may be needed, reimburse you for lost income, and help you deal with the pain and suffering resulting from your injuries.

 

After that, get medical attention. If you are wounded on the face, be sure to have a plastic surgeon look at it. They may be able to reduce or eliminate scarring.
If the dog’s owner is insured, an insurance company agent may call you. You should ask them for the following information:

  • Name address and telephone number of insurance company
  • Claim number
  • Name of the person who is insured

 

Do Not:

  • Discuss anything else involving money
  • Accept any money
  • Set up an appointment
  • Write a memo or a letter
  • Allow the victim to be photographed
  • Permit yourself to be tape recorded
  • Discuss who is responsible

 

Learn more about what to do if you or a loved one is bitten by a dog.

 

As a victim of a dog bite, there are many different kinds of damages and losses. Medical bills, emotional damage, as well as missing out on opportunities to earn income in the future due to any disfigurement you may incur. An experienced attorney can help you through this. With experience representing victims of dog bites, an attorney may be able to get you compensation for the injury you have sustained.


See more dog bite statistics.


If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lee County, or southwestern Florida, please contact the law offices of Lusk, Drasites & Tolisano, P.A. We have experience in this field and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

© Copyright 2011 Lusk, Drasites & Tolisano, P.A.