Would you be surprised to learn that half of American homes have a dog in them? We love our dogs and their companionship. They also offer security friendship, love, and a lot more. That said, not all dogs are friendly and even the friendliest dog can be violent in the wrong situation. Read on to learn how to protect your family and what to do if they or you are the victim of a dog bite. Then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
Dog bite statistics
Can you guess how often a person in the U.S. is injured by a dog bite? The reality is that it’s almost 1,000 people every day. And that’s just the people who seek medical attention for their bites. Many people don’t realize that they can seek compensation for those medical costs and associated pain and suffering. In fact, in both California and Arizona, you do not even need to prove that the owner knew their dog was capable of biting you – the fact that they own a dog means they are taking responsibility for it and are liable for damages and injuries it causes.
Another common misconception is that if you sue for a dog bite, you will be suing the homeowner themselves. This can get complicated as most dog bite injuries are the result of a dog the person knows. However, in almost all cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s policy is actually going to pay the claim. In fact, about one-third of homeowner’s insurance policy claims involve animal attacks.
All breeds can bite but some are more likely than others
There is no dog breed that never attacks. That said, there are some breeds that bite more often than other dogs. For example, in the U.S. Pit Bulls and Rottweilers account for about three-quarters of all fatal dog bites. No dog should be demonized because of its breed but some cities are restricting what breeds are allowed there. It is up to you to decide which dogs you feel comfortable around.
Protect your family by properly training your dog
If you decide to buy or adopt a dog, it is essential that you train it. This not only keeps you and your family safe, it can prevent paying for any injuries the dog may cause. If you are not familiar enough with dog training to handle it yourself, consider hiring a trainer or going to an obedience school with your dog. When you do have visitors, make sure you are always supervising your dog – especially when it is around children.
Being responsible means ensuring that others in your home are safe. If you have been injured while visiting a friend or family member’s home then you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Reach out to The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for your free legal consultation to learn more about your options.
