Many Arizonans consider themselves to be dog people. They love these animals and are instantly drawn to them when in their presence. Although dogs can be friendly and even therapeutic in nature, they can also be dangerous. This is especially true when an individual interacts with a dog whom he or she has never met before.
Just how common are dog attacks? According to the CDC, about 4.5 million incidences of dog bites occur each year. Making matters worse, approximately 20 percent of these bite wounds become infected, necessitating additional medical care. A dog bite can vary in severity, meaning that the injuries suffered can range from a minor scratch to being mauled. Some individuals are even killed by dog bites. After all, a number of diseases can be transferred via dog bite, including rabies, pasteurella, MRSA and Tetanus.
There are some basic steps one can follow to try to avoid a dog bite. For example, he or she should not approach an unfamiliar dog, and, even if scared, it is not wise to run from a dog. Also, regardless of the dog, small children should not be left alone with one unsupervised. Lastly, individuals should refrain from disturbing sleeping dogs, as well as those that are caring for puppies.
Recovering from a dog bite can be painful, emotionally trying and financially expensive. These damages can be overwhelming, especially when an individual has to take time off from work to recuperate. Fortunately, dog bite victims may be able to recover compensation for their losses if they can succeed on a personal injury claim against a pet owner. The process isn’t always easy, though, as a victim will likely need to know the law, the rules of evidence and trial, and how to craft compelling legal arguments. Those who want to learn more about how to do this can contact a personal injury attorney of their choosing.
