The scars can last a lifetime, and the psychological damage can actually be life-changing, as the victim may experience ongoing, unreasonable fear of dogs for years after the attack. Dog bite lawyers are often asked what the victim could have done differently under the circumstances to avoid the attack. The fact is there are a number of steps that can be taken either before or during a dog attack that can limit the damage done or avoid it entirely.
Frightening Statistics
In 2011, an estimated 4.7 million Americans were bitten by dogs, and while the vast majority of those victims did not require emergency treatment, it’s a fact that nearly 1,000 people go to emergency rooms every single day of the year to be treated for injuries caused by a dog. Some of the more worrying statistics include:
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Half of the people who were attacked were children under the age of 18, and the most vulnerable group of all are children in the 5 to 9 age group.
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Half the people who go to emergency rooms have been bitten in the face, meaning horrible scarring and future plastic surgery are both likely outcomes.
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The second most likely group to be attacked are senior citizens, and every dog’s favorite, the mail carrier, comes in third place.
Attacks Can Be Prevented
America is home to some 78 million dogs, and while the vast majority are well behaved, it is a fact that any dog, under the wrong set of circumstances, can and will attack. If a dog is startled, frightened, bored, annoyed, or trained to be aggressive by an ignorant owner, they can and do bite, and the results can be devastating.
It is equally true that people can take steps to prevent dog attacks, or limit the damage done if a dog does decide to lash out. Sacramento dog bite attorneys say every parent should educate their children on how to deal with any dog, whether a family pet or a stray off its leash. These simple tips include:
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Don’t smile at a strange dog. The animal doesn’t necessarily see a friendly face; instead they see someone baring their teeth, an invitation to a fight in the dog world.
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Never taunt a dog, even if you believe they are out of reach. If they free themselves, some dogs have exceptionally good memories and will lash out at people who have deliberately annoyed them.
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Stay away from dogs that are chained or tethered. Bored dogs that have been restricted for extended periods of time are more likely to attack.
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Watch for warning signs. If a dog approaches you with its head held high or low, he is probably just looking to play or is curious. If the head is level and steady, the dog may have more sinister intentions.
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A dog who gallops toward you is just trying to play. A more even run means the dog is coming to protect his territory or intends to drive you away.
Protect Yourself
If the worst happens and a dog does launch an attack against you, there are still things you can do to prevent or limit the damage done. Some of the things you can do include:
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Block the attack. If a dog is showing his teeth, use your leg or a stick or anything else of a similar size to stop the dog’s teeth from reaching you.
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Stay calm. Dogs can actually sense fear, and if you panic, the dog will either feel more confident or see your shouts, screams or sudden movements as a sign of aggression.
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Never, ever run away. This can activate a dog’s basic instinct to chase and catch prey.
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Don’t make eye contact. Dogs see this as an act of aggression. Stand sideways and fold your arms, keeping your hands tucked away. This will show the dog you’re not a threat and also protect your hands if the dog does bite.
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Stand still and hold your position. Dogs have short attention spans and after checking you out, if nothing is happening, they are likely to just bark a couple of times and then go away.
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Protect your vulnerable areas. If you have time, take off a shirt or jacket and if the dog attacks, allow him to get hold of a sleeve. If you’re lucky enough to have an umbrella with you, open it and keep it between you and the dog. The dog will consider the umbrella part of your body and will go for it first, giving you time to get away or preventing the dog from getting hold of actual flesh.
What To Do If The Dog Does Bite
If after all your efforts you still get bitten, Sacramento dog bite lawyers say it’s important that you treat any wounds immediately and properly, to prevent infection from setting in. Get to a doctor or other medical provider as soon as possible. In the meantime, follow these steps:
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Apply gentle pressure if you’re bleeding. Use a sterile gauze pad if possible to prevent infection.
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Wash the wound thoroughly, with warm water.
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Dress the wound with a sterile bandage (for larger wounds), or a sterile band-aid for small cuts.
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If you haven’t had a tetanus injection in the past five years, let your doctor know.
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Change the wound dressing at least once or twice per day.
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Watch for signs of infection, including redness, hot spots, unexpected tenderness or if the wound oozes. In these cases, get to a medical provider as soon as possible.
Call A Lawyer
If a dog bites someone in California, the owner of the animal is responsible for any damage done. Insurance companies may argue as to negligence, but the fact is, the dog’s owner is liable to cover the costs of any medical treatment, lost income and pain and suffering.
If you or a member of your family has been bitten and injured by someone else's dog, the first thing you should do is get the medical intention you need. After that, phone an experienced Sacramento dog bite attorney to discuss your options. The consultation is free, and you can get the answers to your questions regarding the compensation to which you’re entitled. If you decide to go ahead with your lawsuit, the personal injury attorney will guide you through the entire process.
