How to Protect Yourself and Your Family From Dog Bites This Summer

 Posted on June 29, 2020 in Dog Bite Injuries

In the United States, many people keep animal companions in their homes, and as part of their family. By far, the most popular animal to have as a pet in the United States is a dog. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 38 percent of American households own at least one dog. Keeping a dog as a pet has been found to have many benefits, such as relieving stress levels. However, they can also pose a risk to your family and others. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), more than 4.5 million people are bitten by a dog each year in this country. Of those bitten, approximately 800,000 of them end up having to seek medical treatment for their injuries, with at least half of those being children. Injuries from a dog bite can range from a superficial laceration to nerve damage to disfigurement and scarring. Children are by far the most common victims of dog bites, often suffering from injuries to their head, face, or neck during the incident. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you explore your options for seeking compensation.

Tips for Staying Safe

Most dogs are rather friendly toward humans and other animals. However, it is important to remember that all dogs, no matter their breed, age, or size, have the potential to bite. When it comes to keeping your children safe from dog bites or other animal bites, it is important to remember that most dog bites can be prevented. Educating your children on how to approach and interact with animals is the best way to keep them safe. Here are a few other tips to follow:

• Show your child how to behave in a calm manner when around dogs.

• Teach your child to always ask the permission of the dog’s owner before approaching or petting a dog.

• When you approach a dog, let the dog sniff you before you try to pet it and stay away from the face and the tail.

• You should leave dogs alone if they are eating, drinking, or sleeping.

• Be careful around female dogs that are with their puppies. 

Contact an Illinois Dog Bite Injury Lawyer 

Dogs can be our best friends, but they can also be dangerous if we are not careful. Even family dogs who are normally very friendly can lash out to you or your other family members for what may seem like no reason. If you or a loved one was bitten by another person’s dog and suffered injuries, you should call a knowledgeable DuPage County dog bite injury attorney right away. At the Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we can help you determine your right to compensation. To schedule a free consultation, call our office today at 630-529-4761.

Sources:

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0415/p1567.html

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/all-around/Pages/Dog-Bite-Prevention-Tips.aspx