Protecting Yourself From Dog Bites
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento dog bite lawyer. There were 31 fatalities related to dog bites across the country in 2016 alone, and this does not take into account the number of injuries caused by biting dogs.
Fatal Dog Attacks in California
According to DogBites.org, in June 2016, a man in Stockton was killed by a pit bull owned by a friend he was visiting. While the owner of the dog and his wife tried to stop the dog from attacking, the attempt was unsuccessful. In fact, the pit bull turned on one of the owners, and two pit bull puppies joined in the attack. The adult dog was shot and killed by police officers who arrived at the scene of the attack.
Back in January 2016, a nine-year-old boy from Linda, California died when he was attacked by three pit bulls belonging to his older half-sister. She had left the child alone with the dogs while she went out and returned to find him face down and covered with dog bites. The child was dead. A three-day-old infant died in Fresno in June 2016 when the family’s pit bulls attacked the child after the mother left the room. The mother found the baby outdoors. Although the baby was taken to a hospital, she later died of her injuries.
Dog Bites Are Common
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that dog bites occur about 4.5 million times a year. In addition to the danger from the bite itself, about 20 percent of those bites become infected. Men are at risk of being bitten more frequently than women, while children and elderly people are also vulnerable. However, there are things all people can do to help prevent a dog from biting.
- Don’t go near a dog that is unfamiliar to you.
- Don’t turn your back and don’t run. According to Cesar Millan, the dog training expert, running can make the dog’s prey instinct kick in.
- Don’t bother a dog that is asleep, eating or caring for its puppies.
- Don’t allow a dog to show aggression when playing.
- Don’t just walk up to a dog and pet it. Allow the dog to sniff you first to get acquainted.
- Don’t get loud and don’t panic.
- Small children should never be allowed to play with a dog without being supervised.
What to Do When a Dog Approaches
In addition, there are things you can do if you are approached by an unfamiliar dog.
- Remain calm.
- Once again, don’t use a loud voice and don’t panic.
- Use a deep, firm voice to say “go home” or “no.”
- Turn your body to the side and remain absolutely still. Facing a dog and making direct eye contact can be perceived as acts of aggression.
- Raise your arms slowly to place your hands at your neck, and keep elbows in toward your body.
Dog Bites Can Cause Infection
Dog bites can cause serious infection, particularly in those who have compromised immune systems, liver disease, diabetes or other conditions. According to Medscape, a dog bite may look like a laceration but since a dog can exert between 150 and 450 pounds of pressure per square inch when biting down, an injury more closely resembles a crush injury.
Injuries and Diseases Contracted by a Dog Bite
The types of injuries from dog bites may include anything from damage to the hands to head injuries and can result in permanent scarring and psychological trauma. A certain percentage of dog bites can result in infection or require plastic surgery to repair. In addition, dogs, although they seldom carry rabies, can also carry other diseases such as MRSA, tetanus or pasteurella. Anyone who receives a dog bite should seek medical attention to avoid infection or other complications.
Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento dog bite lawyer. If you or a family member has been injured or bitten by a dog, call me at (916) 921-6400 or at (800) 404-5400 for prompt advice that is friendly and free.
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For 35 years, I have practiced as a California injury lawyer, helping those with personal injuries and in wrongful death cases receive fair compensation. Some of my previous cases can be seen here.
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