Tips to Prevent a Dog Bite

 Posted on July 13, 2017 in Personal Injury

Any dog can bite a person, and when one does, owners often respond by stating that their dog "has never behaved like this before.” Just like humans, dogs can have a “bad day,” be pushed to their limit, and lash out at even those they love most.

Nearly half of reported dog bites come from a family or neighbor dog—those who have live in close relation with a canine. Sadly, a large number of dog bite victims are children. All dogs have the proclivity to bite, regardless of temperament and past experiences.

Why Do Dogs Bite?

As humans, we have our words to explain to others when we do not feel well, if we are scared, or if we simply want to be left alone. Dogs do not have this luxury. Sure they can bark, yet how much can we understand from a bark? Yes, there are different pitches and inflections that enables dog owners to differentiate between “I want a treat” and “I want to go outside.” However, we mostly depend on body language. Unfortunately, too many people misread or fail to recognize these signals, and the dog uses the only other tool they have left—their mouth.

Measures to Avoid a Bite

There are steps and precautions that can be taken to decrease the likelihood of a bite. Steps include the following:

• Not approaching an unfamiliar canine;
• Avoiding loud or fast movements around dogs;
• Being still when a dog approaches (even if you have fallen);
• Having the presence of an adult when a child plays with a dog;
• Reporting stray dogs and those acting unusual;
• Avoiding direct eye contact with a dog;
• Leaving a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for their young alone;
• Allowing a dog to sniff you first before reaching out to pet it; and
• Alerting appropriate sources of a bite immediately.

Steps to Take After Being Bit

If you are the victim of a dog bite, immediately take care of the wounds. Seeing a physician is advisable, so he or she may fully assess the damage and risk for rabies or an infection. Calling animal control may also be necessary. Your next call should be to an attorney.

No matter how well you know the dog's owner and do not want the relationship to sour, your medical expenses are his or her responsibility due to the misbehavior of his or her dog. It is impossible to identify the breadth of the damage immediately, and an attorney can begin the process of collecting data, building a case, and advising you of proper protocol that will only help you, should your situation turn for the worst.

If you would like to discuss your dog bite case with a proven DuPage County, IL dog bite injury attorney, contact Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices today. We have 4 offices to conveniently serve you and offer a free consultation to those who call 630-932-9100 today.

Sources:

http://www.aafp.org/afp/2001/0415/p1567.html

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1704&ChapterID=41

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=051000050K8