A Dog Knocked Me Over and Injured Me

dog and person running down steps

A dog doesn’t have to bite to cause serious injuries. In some cases, the dog may not even be aggressive. But a person can suffer fall injuries if a dog knocks them over.

The National Library of Medicine reports that falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries in the United States. There are about 87,000 estimated cases a year. People over the age of 75 and females were at a higher risk, but small children aged 0-14 years are also at high risk. 

How Are Injuries Caused When Dog Knocks Me Over?

Large dogs can knock a person or a child over by jumping on people. Dogs can also lean against a person causing them to fall over. 

Smaller dogs can easily trip a person by running between their legs or flopping in front of them while walking. 

Dogs can also cause bicycle or car accident injuries by chasing or getting in the pathway. A dog can also cause a person to fall down stairs, onto a curb, or down a hill. 

These are some of the non-bite injuries causing injury to a person. The dogs may even be friendly, but an injury caused by a dog can still have consequences even if there was no intention to hurt. Non-aggressive dog attacks by friendly dogs are still an attack and can cause serious damage or harm.

Types of Injuries in a Knocked Over by Dog Claim

Using the same data as the above publication, the CDC looked at injuries caused by dogs (and cats) that were non-fatal fall-related injuries. Dogs were responsible for a majority of the injuries at 88%. Most injuries occur in the home or around the home, although 26% occurred while walking the dog. 

The most common types of injuries from fall-related injuries were:

  • fractures
  • contusions/abrasions/bruise
  • strain/sprain
  • Lacerations or cuts to the skin
  • Internal injuries
  • Head injuries

These studies only looked at injuries reported in emergency rooms, so there are likely many more incidents reported to family physicians, other treatment centers, or not reported at all for medical assistance. 

A sudden fall can cause broken bones, back injury, neck injury, or even a traumatic brain injury. These are serious injuries and can be life-altering. 

Steps to Take for a Knocked Over by a Dog Claim

If you or someone you know was knocked over by a dog, seek medical attention. There may be damage below the surface so it is important for a doctor or health care professional to assess the injuries.

Gather any information you can about the dog. Find out who the dog owner is and their contact details and write down a description of the dog. Also, gather the names and contact information for any witnesses and take photos of the scene and of the wounds. Keep any medical bills or other information as proof. 

Speak to a dog bite attorney to discuss your personal injury lawsuit. Don’t speak to insurance companies without your lawyer present. If you’ve been injured, even if the dog was friendly, there may be financial consequences. You are entitled to compensation for your injuries caused by a dog.

Contact an Experienced Dog Attack Lawyer

Discuss your knocked over by a dog claim with an experienced dog attack lawyer. They will be able to assess your case and guide you in next steps. 

Jeffrey H. Penneys, Esq. provides a free consultation to dog attack victims. Familiar with both dog bite claims and non-bite claims, he is a compassionate dog bite attorney wanting the best results for his clients. He is experienced in Pennsylvania dog attack law and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Reach him online or by phone at 215-771-0430.

Photo by Sam Lion from Pexels

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