There’s no denying that a dog can bring joy and laughter to you and your home and
become a part of many memories over the years. Not only are they man’s best friend,
but dogs have been a part of the family circle for what can seem like ages.
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), over 36% of
households in the United States own at least one dog. We include them in our family
photos, we save them a seat at the dinner table, and we even take them shopping with
us (if the business allows furry friends). They join us on our errands, in our
travels, and keep us company when we’re up late at night mulling over our thoughts.
Let’s not forget to mention how they motivate us to get in our daily exercise.
But with all the upside to owning a dog or admiring them from afar, one of their
downsides is, unfortunately, that they can (and do) bite.
So what do you do in the event that you are bitten by a dog? More importantly, what
can you do to prevent a dog bite?
First and foremost, please be aware of your surroundings. When you’re going for a
walk, and/or you have children with you, be careful to note which homes you’ve
passed by before that have dogs. Familiarize yourself with the area in which you
live and pay close attention to those homes with “Beware of Dog” signs or dogs
within an enclosed fence.
Additionally
* Don’t approach an unfamiliar dog
* If you see a dog, don’t run from it as this will cause it to want to chase you
* Don’t panic or make any loud noises
* Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies
* Don’t pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first
* If you own a dog, do not encourage it to play aggressively
* Never allow small children to play with a dog unsupervised.
It’s important to note that sometimes, no matter what we do, a dog attack can still
occur. If this is the case, please do the following:
* Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water
* Seek emergency medical attention even if you feel the bite is minor. Dog bites can
cause bacterial infections, nerve damage, pain, and more severe reactions. It is
always better to be safe.
* Call your local animal control agency and report the dog attack
Finally, call Goldman & Associates and our experienced attorneys will provide you
with legal advice and guidance to help you take the best next steps. It’s our goal
to provide you with the highest quality service just as we’ve successfully done for
over 1,000 cases throughout the state of Michigan.