Preventing Dog Bites In Arizona
The severity of a dog bite can range from a mild nip that hurts but doesn’t draw blood, to the puncturing and tearing of flesh that results in the loss of a person’s life. Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year, adding up to $53.9 million in inpatient costs. With around 90 million dogs kept as pets throughout the country, it’s highly likely that you either own a dog or know someone who does and you possibly visit their home. All of these factors combined show how important it is that you recognize how to prevent dog bites from happening to you and your family.
Preventing Dog Bites In Arizona
Even though we love and feel secure with our own pets, a majority of dog bites actually occur in the home, with dogs that are familiar to us. This potential danger can be mitigated through proper understanding of the behavior of dogs and giving them the training they need to be a well-behaved pet. Residents of Phoenix can contact the Arizona Humane Society to sign-up for dog training classes at their website. The home is also the place to teach any children you may have about how to treat and respect animals. Children should be informed not to provoke an animal and to always ask a dog’s owner if it’s okay to pet their dog before approaching it. You should also avoid making any sudden or quick movements near them and leave dogs alone if they’re sleeping or eating.
Supervision Children Around Dogs
Children are at a far greater risk of severe injury from a dog bite as opposed to adults. Dogs work off instinct, and if they feel threatened, they can attack the face of a small child quite easily. Whether at home with your own pet or visiting the home of a pet owner, you should always monitor your child to ensure that not only are they safe around the dog, but that they’re not provoking it either. Should your child be attacked unprovoked by another person’s dog, make sure you seek appropriate medical attention. You may also want to seek the assistance of a Phoenix-area lawyer to help collect the money you need to cover your child’s medical bills.
What To Do If A Dog Approaches You
Though not as common of a scenario compared to the previously mentioned ones, you may find yourself in a position where you are approached by an unknown dog. Your instinct may be to run, but that may just encourage the animal to pursue you. It’s important to engage in behaviors that are calm and non-aggressive. Looking directly at a dog or making sudden motions can be interpreted as aggressive. Showing the side of your body to the dog and commanding it to “go away” in a firm voice is far safer and could prevent you from being attacked.
Know Your Legal Options Regarding Dog Attacks
Arizona law states that the owner of a dog is liable for all damages from an unprovoked dog attack. If this happens to you, contact the ELG ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS, PLLC for a free consultation regarding your potential case. Dog bites can be physically and emotionally traumatic experiences. If someone is liable for their dog’s actions against you, the money you are owed for your medical expenses can help make the recovery process a little bit easier. Call 623-562-3838 to speak with one of the members of the ELG ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS’s experienced legal team. If “man’s best friend” turns on you, you can turn to us.
