What Actions Can Help Prevent a Dog Attack?

 Posted on December 31, 2019 in Dog Bite Injuries

It is not uncommon for a person to display signs of love and affection towards a canine. Often referred to as man's best friend, a dog can be playful and joyous in many situations. However, a canine’s behavior can be impossible to predict, and severe injuries could result from a dog attack. Although it may be tempting to try and pet or interact with a dog, your conduct should be well thought out. Before any actions are taken towards a canine, there are several “Do’s” and “Don’ts” that should be considered.  

Appropriate Conduct

Due to the fact that an animal attack can be unpredictable, it is always important to consider how a canine might interpret your behavior. Regardless if you are familiar with the dog or not, a miscalculated action could put a dog into a defensive mindset. Before you attempt to interact with a canine, it is considered a best practice to:

• Ask the owner if it is okay to pet the dog (if it is not your dog)
• Remain still if you are approached by an unfamiliar canine
• Curl into a ball and protect your head if you are knocked to the ground by a dog
• Immediately report any strange behavior to the dog’s owner or appropriate party

Behaviors to Avoid

Scars and disfigurement, nerve damage, or wrongful death can be the aftermath of a dog bite attack. The aggressive nature of a canine should not be taken lightly, considering that nearly 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States. To better increase your chances of avoiding an attack, an individual should not:

• Attempt to approach an unfamiliar dog
• Run or flee from a canine
• Panic or make loud noises
• Agitate or provoke a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for their puppies
• Pet a dog before he or she sniffs you first
• Encourage aggressive behavior in the dog
• Allow small children to play with an unsupervised canine 

Contact an Illinois Dog Bite Injury Attorney

The legal issues that surround a dog bite injury claim can be complex. Depending on the circumstances of your attack, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Pain and suffering, missed time from work, medical expenses, and lifelong disabilities could increase your financial claim. Before you dismiss the incident or admit fault, you should seek the opinion of a legal professional. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, our team of experienced DuPage County personal injury lawyers can review your case and determine the likelihood of a beneficial outcome. For a free consultation, call our office today at 630-552-6860.

Source: 

https://www.cdc.gov/features/dog-bite-prevention/index.html