Dog bites are an often underestimated source of harm, with around 800,000 people per year needing to receive medical attention as a result of a dog bite across the United States. These injuries can sometimes result in disfigurement or long-term health complications, depending on the severity of the injury. Here are five reasons you should be careful about dog bites:
- Children are most likely to be victims
- More than any other demographic, young children are the most likely to be injured by dog bites, particularly involving animals they know. This is often due to children not knowing how to deal with animals, and accidentally provoking them. As a result, an out of control animal may retaliate against a child, causing potentially severe harm.
- Children are most likely to be severely injured
- Children are also most likely to suffer severe injuries as a result of a dog or animal bite. This is due to the simple fact that they are smaller and weaker than adults, and thus even minor bites are more likely to result in disfigurement or disability. In some rare cases, dog bites can even be fatal to small children.
- Poorly trained dogs are more likely to bite
- One of the main contributors to dog bites is a lack of training by their owners. Dogs are supposed to be properly trained to ensure they do not attack others, including strangers and children. When owners fail to adequately train their animals, it is their victims who often pay the price.
- Irresponsible owners may refuse to control their dogs
- Plenty of people leave their dogs alone for prolonged periods of time, but responsible owners do not let them outside without some kind of restraint. For example, anyone who lets their dog into a yard should ensure the yard is fenced in, and dogs should always be kept on a leash when outside. The failure to do so increases the risk of dog bites substantially.
- Socialization is key for dogs and other animals
- It is important for dogs and other animals to be socialized as early as possible, which can limit the risk of dog bites. Socialization is the process of acclimating an animal to the presence of humans and other animals, which makes them less likely to attack if they are taunted or provoked. Improperly socialized dogs, on the other hand, are more likely to respond violently to things that scare or anger them, increasing the risk of dog bites.
For more than 50 years, the New York lawyers at Elovich and Adell are ready to represent you in your personal injury case. Our attorneys, conveniently located in Long Beach, handle personal injury, real estate, commercial transactions, criminal defense, and labor and employment claims all across New York State. For a consultation, please call us at 516-432-6263 or visit our contact page for more information.