The cost of dog bites is high, leading to pain, lost work days, expenses in medical care and more. Though dogs have been a part of humans’ lives for over 12,000 years, the reality is that they are not always predictable. Even friendly pets can sometimes snap, leading to significant dog bite injuries.
The owner of a dog needs to understand that they can be held liable for their pet’s actions. If it bites someone, then that victim may need medical care and could seek compensation from the owner.
DID YOU KNOW THAT DOGS BITE OVER 4.7 MILLION PEOPLE EACH YEAR?
With so many people suffering injuries, you might think it’s just a matter of time before you’re bitten, too. Fortunately, there are a number of great tips that can help you avoid a bite. Some tips to follow include:
- Staying still when a dog approaches
- Avoiding direct eye contact with a dog
- Allowing a dog to sniff you before you pet it
- Avoiding playing with stray or unusual dogs
- Rolling into a ball if you are knocked over by a dog
- Staying motionless
- Avoiding screaming or running if a dog approaches
Some other helpful tips include:
- Never teasing animals
- Avoiding running or riding a bike past an unsecured dog
- Avoiding bothering a dog when it is sleeping, caring for puppies or eating
Dogs may be man’s best friend, but they can also be extremely dangerous. If you are bitten by a dog, you may need to seek out medical care. If so, the owner of the dog may be held liable for your injuries and responsible for compensating you fairly.