When you think of a personal injury, you probably don’t think of a dog bite. But, many attorneys do represent clients who have suffered from an injurious dog attack. In cases where the victim does not survive, the attorney is able to help his or her family deal with the tragedy as a whole.
Dog bites affect several million people annually. About a dozen people each year die as a result of personal injury from a dog bite. According to Dogsbite.org, a public education website, pit bull types dog were responsible for the deaths of 52 Americans and accounted for nearly 60% of all fatal attacks. To help you avoid becoming one of these statistics, here is some advice on what to do in the event of a dog attack.
What to do when a dog attacks:
- Do not try to outrun the dog. Even a small angry dog will likely outrun a human being – Additionally, the reaction of running away may cause it to be more aggressive.
- Do not attempt to stare the dog down. For a dog in attack mode, your direct eye contact may be seen as a challenge, which may provoke it to attack.
- Do not hit the dog. Many aggressive dogs do not retreat, no matter how much martial arts knowledge you may have in the bag.
- Speak softly. Use a calm tone of voice to sooth its aggression as harsh tones may magnify its verve.
If the dog bites you:
- Do not try to yank away from the dog’s bite. The pulling action can evoke an instinctive bite-down response.
- Remain calm.
- Do not hit the dog. The instinctive adrenalin coursing through the dog’s body during an attack often numbers it to pain and even spur it on to attack harder.
- Become a bore. Remember, you are fighting dog-instinct when you fight. Lie on the ground in fetal position, covering your head and neck with your arms and be as still as possible. Many dogs respond by becoming bored and stop attacking.
After seeking proper medical attention, you should look for legal counsel as soon as possible to represent you if you decide to seek compensation for your injuries. Many lawyers such as this Bronx personal injury attorney take on cases involving dog bite injuries. Some Brooklyn injury lawyers also offer free consultations, but it is a good idea to call the firm and ask first–just to be on the safe side.
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