A common scenario of a dog bite incident is when an individual is walking a smaller dog on a leash and a larger dog, either leashed or not, comes up to the small dog and attacks it.
Since dog owners are so loyal to their pets, the owner of the small dog will do whatever it takes to protect their furry friend. This often times results in serious injury to the small dog owner, from the attacking dog.
Philadelphia has very strict leash laws, but unfortunately, many negligent dog owners either disregard the laws or have too large of dogs for them to be controlled with a leash.
It is no secret why dogs are one of the most popular pets in the U.S. They offer families loyal companionship, and an opportunity to get to know people in their neighborhoods. Unfortunately, however, that opportunity can sometimes take a turn for the worse. Dog Bites are all too common and, sadly, the victims are often children.
A recent case from Illinois demonstrates the danger of dog bites. Four-year-old Kara Hartrich, described by her family as a happy girl who enjoyed singing and dancing, bled to death after suffering head and neck injuries in an attack by her family’s pit bulls.
At the time of the attack, Kara was at home with her two-year-old sister and her grandmother. Kara told her grandmother that the dogs had tried to hurt her. When the woman attempted to separate Kara from the dogs, the dogs turned on her. Kara suffered her injuries after her grandmother focused her efforts on protecting the two year old.
Tips to Help Avoid Dog Bites
While some dog bite injuries occur within the home, others occur after someone encounters a dog they do not know. It is important for adults to know as much as possible about how to stay safe around dogs, and to help their children understand that not every dog is a loveable family pet.
When approaching a dog, it is important to keep a few things in mind that can help you avoid being bitten:
- Remember that not all dogs like humans. No matter the circumstances, you should never assume that a dog is friendly.
- Dogs understand body language, not speech. When encountering a strange dog, do not make eye contact. Allow the dog to approach you and respect its personal space. It is also important to avoid quick, sudden movements toward the animal.
- If you get a bad feeling from a dog, and it appears unfriendly, step back from it slowly.
It can also be helpful to learn about different dog breeds, what they look like, and their typical personality types. Remember, however, that no matter the breed, any dog is capable of biting.
If you have been bitten by a dog and have suffered serious injuries, consider speaking to an experienced attorney. A Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer can talk to you about your rights, and help you decide what steps to take next.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost time at work, and pain and suffering. To learn more, contact a Dog Bite Attorney today.