June is Dog Bite Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to talk about a serious issue that affects thousands of people each year.
Many people assume dog bites only happen with aggressive or stray animals. The reality is that many dog bite injuries are caused by dogs the victim knows. A family pet, a neighbor’s dog, or a friend’s dog can bite unexpectedly under the right circumstances.
According to data tracked by the United States Postal Service, Denver consistently ranks among the top cities in the country for reported dog bite incidents involving mail carriers. Those numbers only represent bites reported through the USPS system and do not account for attacks involving children, visitors, delivery drivers, or other members of the public.
Children Face the Greatest Risk
Children are especially vulnerable to serious dog bite injuries.
Because young children are often face-to-face with dogs, bites frequently occur to the head, face, and neck. These injuries can result in permanent scarring, medical treatment and emotional trauma that can last a lifetime.
Parents should teach children never to approach unfamiliar dogs and should always supervise interactions between children and animals. If you are meeting a new dog, communicate with the dog owner about weather or not that dog is friendly with people and most importantly, children. Even a dog that has never shown aggression before can react unexpectedly if startled, frightened, or disturbed while eating or chewing on a toy or bone.
Safety Tips to Prevent Dog Bite Injuries
Whether you are around a dog you know or a dog you have never met, it is important to use caution.
Some simple safety tips include:
- Do not approach unfamiliar dogs without the owner’s permission.
- Never assume a dog won’t bite simply because you know it.
- Avoid petting dogs that are eating or chewing on a bone or toy.
- Supervise children around dogs at all times.
- Watch for signs that a dog may be anxious, fearful, or uncomfortable.
Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite?
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Who is responsible when a dog bites someone?”
In many situations, the dog owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog. Liability can depend on several factors, including where the attack occurred and the specific circumstances surrounding the incident.
Dog bite injuries can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, scarring, and long-term complications. Understanding your legal rights after an attack is important.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?
If you are bitten by a dog, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your ability to pursue a claim.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Identify the dog owner if possible.
- Take photographs of the dog, your injuries, and the scene.
- Obtain contact information for witnesses.
- Keep records of your medical treatment.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your options.
Finding the dog’s owner is especially important. Without identifying the owner, it can be much more difficult to pursue a claim for damages.
A Message for Dog Owners
Even if your dog has never bitten anyone, it is important to carry adequate insurance coverage.
Homeowners insurance and renters insurance policies often provide protection if your dog causes injuries to another person. Having the proper coverage can help protect both you and the injured person if an accident occurs.
Injured in a Dog Bite Incident?
Dog bite injuries can have serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, LS Injury Law can help you understand your options and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Contact LS Injury Law today for a free consultation.