Dogs are considered to be mans best friend, but every year in the U.S there are 4.7 million dog bite victims. Children are commonly targets. But are only a small portion overall. What can be done to protect and children and ourselves from being a victim of a serious dog bite? Many states now have laws concerning dogs that target dog owners to be more responsible. Dog owners can be sued for damages and medical bills incurred as a result of a dog bite.
Some statistics on dog bites:
In the United States, there are 74.8 million dogs.
Dog bites rank 5th on the list of most common reason for emergency room visits.
Statistics from the U.S. Postal Service says 2,851 mail carriers are bitten by dogs every year.
50% of dog bites happen on the dog owners property. (As in the case of the mail carriers)
Children bitten by dogs commonly age between 5-9 years old
Why do some dogs Bite?
There are many reason a dog may bite someone. Not all dogs are vicious and bite for no reason. Some incidences of bites occur from a dog being startled by someone approaching too quickly that the dog doesn’t’ know, and the dog bites out of fear. Children have been known to pull a dogs tail or eyes when their young or hit the dog, so in some cases it is the dog reacting to a situation that happened or has happened in the past. Injured dogs have been known to bite as well. Territorial aggression is another cause, especially when a stranger walks into the yard on the property.
Are there laws to protect us from dog bites?
Most states have implemented leash laws regarding dogs. A leash law requires the dog owner to have the dog secured on a leash when out in public such as during a walk or strolling through the park. Public parks and playgrounds also have leash laws as well as camp grounds and recreation areas. A dog must be on a leash unless it is in a house or fenced yard.
Some states have what is called a “One Bite Rule”. That means that the owner isn’t liable if someone is bitten once by a dog. But if that same dog bites someone else, the dog owner can be held liable. Therefore showing that the dog has aggressive tendencies. If it is labeled a “vicious dog” the owner will be required to take special precautions.
Most homeowner’s insurance has coverage for dog bites, and posting a “Beware of Dog” sign is helpful for alerting visitors and trespasser’s but may or may not protect you in case someone is bitten. It depends on the circumstances when the bite occurred. If someone was bitten while trespassing illegally on your property, you may be safe from prosecution. You would need to check with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury.
How do I report a dog bite?
A report can be made to any animal control agency or your local police department. If your case is serious enough please fill out our form for a free consultation with a lawyer.