Dog Bite Injuries: File a Claim for Damages

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 4.5 million Americans bitten by dogs annually and 885,000 or one in five of them require medical attention for their dog bite injuries.

Children, aged 5 to 9 years are the most at risk in incurring dog bite–related injuries. Households with dogs have a higher incidence of dog bites. The CDC says that homes with two or more dogs are five times more likely to be bitten. Dogs, even when domesticated or tamed, can inflict serious injuries. Lacerations from dog scratches and dog bite injuries can easily become infected. Large dogs are capable of mauling and killing a human.

Preventing Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites are a largely preventable public health problem and with care and caution, the chances of getting bitten can be reduced. Here are some basic safety tips:

• Before buying a dog, consider what breed is appropriate for your family and as well as its history of aggression. It is advised to spay/neuter your dog to reduce its aggression.
• Never leave babies or young children alone with a dog. Don’t let them play with the dog unless supervised by an adult.
• Avoid playing aggressive games with your dog like wrestling. Also, tell children to not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff them first.
• Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies as this may trigger aggressive behavior.
• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog. Staring is considered more dangerous when on the same visual level as the dog (such as small children), or when the human is unfamiliar.
• Stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior should be reported. Do not approach unfamiliar dogs or run away and scream as this may trigger aggressive behavior.
• If knocked down or approached by a dog, do not panic. Remain still as a tree when upright or roll up and lie still when knocked down.
• In case of dog bite injuries, seek immediate medical help.

Liability in Dog Bite Injury Claims

Generally, dog owners are liable for the harm or damage that their animal causes to people or other dogs. Most laws are referred to as dog-bite statutes however, these laws cover all kinds of dog-inflicted injuries not just bites.

Dog Bites and Strict Liability for Injury

Dog-bite laws are “strict liability” statutes, this means that any person bitten by a dog just needs to establish that the dog caused the injury even without proving that the owner had a measure of fault in the injury. Florida dog bite laws in fact, do not need prior vicious tendencies to attach liability to its owner. Lillian’s Law in Texas imposes a second or third degree felony on a dog owner if his pet causes death or serious bodily injury outside the dog's normal place of confinement. Under the law in California, owners are subject to massive civil liability for attacks by their dogs. Victim can sue on two strict liability causes of action arising out of a single attack—one created by statute and one arising from common law.

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• This article is provided for informational purposes only. If you need help with an Injury Law question, click here to consult with a Rodney Mesriani or a Personal Injury Lawyer in your area.