Dog Bite Lawyer with the Experience and Expertise to Fight for Dog Bite Injury Victims in Philadelphia
National Dog Bite Prevention Week has come and gone. Each year on the second week of April, the prevention program focuses on educating dog owners and people how to avoid dog bites and injuries.
For this year, the week ran from April 9th to 15th. According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, there are more than 70 million registered dogs in the United States (approximately one dog for every 4.5 people in the country); therefore, prevention and awareness is critical.
Most victims are children, but adults too are bitten each year by animals, including their pets. The majority of these incidents are preventable; therefore, prevention week sets out to educate the public to prevent injuries, deadly attacks, and permanent disfigurement.
Statistics Shared on National Dog Bite Prevention Week
- An estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year; including adults.
- 20 percent of those bitten by a dog require medical attention.
- Adults with two dogs in their home are five times more at risk for a dog bite incident.
- Approximately 359,223 children were bitten from 2010 to 2012 and averaged ages one to 14.
- Children ages four and younger were bitten in the head and neck 66 percent of the time.
- Dog bites accounted for one-third of homeowner’s insurance claims, and the cost was near $570 million.
- The average payment in 2015 for a dog bite claim averaged $37,329.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Any breed of animal can attack, including male or female, big or small. Even the sweetest household dog might turn on his or her owner and attack them. Typically, dogs bite out of reaction; therefore, most dog attacks and bites are preventable.
Reasons dogs might bite include:
- Stress: Dogs suffer from stress and anxiety just like humans. However, they cannot convey their fear like a human. Therefore, a dog might find itself in a stressful situation and bite to defend itself.
- Scared: When a dog is afraid, their natural instinct to protect themselves comes out. Therefore, they might bite to protect something valuable to them, including food, toys, puppies, or their owner.
- Illness: When a dog does not feel well, he or she wants to be left alone. When they are constantly bothered, especially by young children, they might bite as a warning.
- Play: Not all bites are vicious. Sometimes, dogs bite or nip during play. This is particularly the case with younger puppies that do not know better. Activities that make a dog overly excited increase the likelihood of a bite too; therefore, owners should be cautious about playing aggressively with their dog.
- Socialization: Dogs require socialization to get used to their surroundings and being around other people. When dogs are not socialized, they experience anxiety in unfamiliar situations, which leads to aggressive behavior.
Seeking Compensation after a Dog Bite
After attacks, victims of that attack may be entitled to compensation. Dog attacks can cause permanent disfigurement and cost thousands to treat. Also, the victim might have post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. The long-term consequences of a dog attack cost victims more than they might realize.
Jeffrey H. Penneys, Esq. is here to help you receive compensation for your injuries. If you were bitten or attacked by a dog, the owner of that dog might be liable for those injuries. Call for a free consultation today at 215-771-0430 (cell) or 215-987-3550 (office). You can also request a free case evaluation online.
