According to the CDC, 5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs every year, resulting in over 800,000 injuries that require immediate medical attention. In 2015, there were 34 dog bite-related fatalities in the country. Pit bull bites and injuries by Rottweilers accounted for 91% of the total reported deaths the same year. 50% of all fatalities involved more than one dog. 15% involved a pack of four or more dogs.
If someone has a vicious dog and fails to control it and it harms you or causes you to be harmed, it is pay day for you! Call 212-344-1000- RMFW Law will know what to do.
Who is at most risk of sustaining dog bites?
- Children – Among children, dog bite-related injury rates are highest among those aged between 5 and 9. Children are more likely to receive medical attention for dog bites than adults.
- Men – Statistically, men are more likely to be bitten by dogs than women.
Preventing Dog Bites
There are basic safety tips that you can follow to prevent dog bites.
Dos:
- When you are approached by an unfamiliar dog, make sure that you remain motionless.
- If a dog knocks you over, tuck your head and curl into a ball, and keep your hands over your neck and ears.
- If you notice dogs that are behaving strangely or strange dogs, you should immediately let an adult know. You can also call animal control to come and handle the problem or 911.
Don’ts:
- You should never approach an unfamiliar dog.
- You should not make loud noises or panic.
- You should not disturb a dog that is eating or sleeping
- You should never agitate or disturb a dog when it is caring for its puppies.
- You should never run from a dog.
- You should avoid petting a dog before it sees and sniffs you.
- Make sure that you do not encourage aggressive play with your dog.
- Never allow small children to play with a dog without being supervised.
If an unfamiliar dog approaches you, make sure that you:
- Do not move and always stay calm.
- Say “Go home” or “Go” in a deep, firm voice.
- Do not make direct eye contact with the dog.
- Always stand with the side of your body facing the dog. When you face a dog directly, it can appear aggressive to the dog. You should turn your body totally or partially to the side.
- Raise your hands slowly to your neck, keeping your elbows in.
- Wait for the dog to slowly back away or pass you.
If a dog bites you, the owner can be held liable for the injuries you suffer. They can also be liable if their dog causes damage to property. In some cases, there can be a fair settlement of the issue without filing a lawsuit. However, the injured party often has to sue to hold the dog owner liable to the full extent of the law, or has to involve an insurance company on the case.
Coming Out on Top
If you or someone you know been grievously injured due to a dog bite, you should seek the help of a personal injury attorney at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. You can find out how you can file a personal injury case against the dog owner. The first meeting is free.
We know how to win these types of cases. We know the legal parameters. We know how to build and finish cases. Give us a call, that is the only thing we cannot do for you. Call us today – 212-344-1000.
