You may be surprised to learn that 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. That makes for a lot of unfortunate interactions between people and canines. According to one source, more than 50% of dog bite victims are children. Worse, 26% of all kids require doctor or emergency room visits after a dog bite. A dog bite incident is classified as a personal injury and may warrant filing a personal injury claim to obtain compensation for physical and emotional trauma. Otherwise, you might have to pay for treatment out of pocket.
Personal injuries can include slips, trips, or falls on private or public property. Overexertion, burn incidents, or equipment malfunctions are common personal injuries in the workplace. Other personal injuries include injuries caused by car accidents and medical malpractice.
While personal injuries can happen to people of all ages and from all walks of life, dog bites mainly affect children. And that’s often due to kids doing things that increase their risks.
Continue reading to see three ways parents can safeguard their kids from dog bites.
1. Let Your Kids Know That ANY Dog Can Bite
Many believe that only certain dog breeds bite people. That’s a misconception, and no one wants to learn the hard way. Any dog can bite regardless of breed, size, or temperament. So, rather than warning kids about getting too close to Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinchers, or German Shepherds, parents should ensure their kids know that any dog can potentially bite them.
Yes, even so-called lap dogs like Chihuahuas—tiny dogs that are cute and cuddly—can back up their high-pitched barks with their teeth. The sooner children know they need to be cautious around all dogs, the safer they’ll be.
2. Let Your Kids Know They Shouldn’t Pet a Dog Without the Owner’s Permission
Children often increase the risks of unfortunate interactions with dogs by assuming it’s okay to pet or play with dogs. Parents must instruct their kids not to interact with dogs without their owners’ permission. And even if the dog owner okays interaction, kids should still exercise caution and respect a dog’s personal space. Kids aren’t always good at reading situations or observing behavioral cues that adults can easily discern. A dog might show signs of aggressiveness or fear that a child might not detect, which can set the stage for a dog bite.
3. Let Your Kids Know That the Greatest Risks Are at Home
Children also face significant risks of dog bites at their friends’ homes. Almost eight in 10—77%—of biting dogs are owned by families of the victims, loved ones, or friends. While dog bites can happen anywhere, the risks are highest where kids should be safest: at home. Most dog bites among children occur in their own homes. Parents must ensure their kids know how to interact with family pets — and doing so will go a long way toward reducing risks.
Everyone has a responsibility to keep children safe. But parents must lead the charge by teaching their children the dos and don’ts of interacting with dogs. Doing so will reduce the risks.
If, despite your best efforts, a dog bites your child, go to a doctor or hospital. It’s vital to document any injuries. If the injuries are severe, consult a personal injury lawyer. Paying for treatment out of pocket can create financial hardship no one should have to deal with.
When looking for a reputable lawyer to handle your personal injury claim, focus on responsiveness and customer service. Few things are more frustrating than waiting too long to get a callback. Some tech-savvy law firms leverage some of the best CRM for law firms with AI baked in for better communication.
It’s one of the things that can make for a lawyer-client relationship that yields the results you need.
—
Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash
