Did you know that there is one dog for every four humans in this nation? According to the American Pet Products Association, there are 78.2 million dogs in the U.S. Consequently, because there are more dogs, there are more dog bite injuries in Texas and throughout this nation.
In fact, dog bites accounted for over one-third of insurance claims in 2011, according to the Insurance Information Institute. This has resulted in approximately $479 million in claims paid out in the U.S. in one year, increasing dog bite claims by 48 percent since 2003.
Sadly, children are often the victims of catastrophic dog bite injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that 3.5 million children suffer dog bites annually in this nation, and children under the age of 15 account for 70 percent of all dog bite victims.
How Can You Help Your Child Avoid a Dog Bite Injury in Texas?
Kids are not often taught how to act around dogs. Many parents believe that only aggressive, bad dogs bite; however, this is not true. Many dogs will bite and have attacked children depending on the situation and if a child provoked the dog.
Some dog bite prevention tips that adults should teach their children and follow themselves include:
- Relax around dogs by acting friendly.
- Tap the side of the dog’s leg to signify you are friend; however, do not make a fist. This is offensive towards the dog.
- Refrain from hugging a dog to show your affection. This is a dominating gesture to a dog.
- Avoid running and playing chase games with a dog.
By following these tips, most dog bite injuries can be avoided; however, there are some aggressive dogs that may harm you or your children. If you or someone you love is bitten by a dog, make sure to seek medical attention immediately, file a police or animal control report and contact an experienced Texas dog bite lawyer for help seeking compensation for your catastrophic injuries.
You may need financial compensation for medical expenses, plastic surgery, physical therapy, lost income and more. To find out more about your rights, call a Houston personal injury lawyer at the Voss Law Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation at (866) 276-6179.
