Even the most loving dog can bite if provoked. Here are some steps you can take to prevent a dog bite.
Across the country, nearly half of all American households have dogs. Our four-legged companions provide love, companionship, security, and more. But while man’s best friend can be a huge source of comfort and even assistance, an untrained or aggressive dog can also be a threat if they attack a child or an adult.
Every day in the United States, nearly 1,000 people are required to seek medical attention due to dog bites. Some of these victims may seek financial compensation from the dog’s owner, and depending on the state in which the attack occurred, they will likely be able to get it. Both California and Arizona are “strict liability” states, which means that unless certain conditions exist — such as if the victim taunted or otherwise provoked the dog — then the owner has to pay for the damages caused by their dog. In many cases, the owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy will pay the claim. Roughly 1/3 of all claims made against homeowner’s insurance policies are for dog bites or other attacks.
While any breed of dog can attack, there are certain breeds that are responsible for more bites than other types of dogs. Across the United States, pit bulls and Rottweilers were responsible for nearly 3/4 of all deaths related to dog attacks between 2005 and 2014. While no breed of dog should be demonized, if you are considering adopting a dog, it may be a good idea to consider the breed and the specific dog’s history before making a final decision. Some cities and towns have restrictions on the types of breeds that can live there, and some landlords ban certain dog breeds from their buildings.
If you do decide to become a “pet parent,” make sure that you train your dog. If you are not skilled at training dogs, consider hiring a dog trainer or taking your dog to obedience school. This will be a worthwhile investment if it prevents your pooch from biting someone in the future. You should also supervise all interactions between your dog and visitors to your home, particularly children. Make sure that you know how your dog will react to new people before you leave him or her alone with anyone. Being a responsible pet owner means taking steps so to protect both your loved ones and your pet — and make sure your dog has a long, happy life.
At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our attorneys represent victims of dog bites and other types of accidents. We have a 95% success rate in helping our clients, and have recovered more than $2 billion dollars on behalf of our clients. For each of our potential clients, we offer free initial consultations, where we will explain your legal rights and options. We never charge a fee unless we get money for you. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com.
