Dog Bites

There are ways to protect yourself from dog bite attacks. Animal behavior experts recommend the following if you are ever approached by an unwanted or aggressive dog:
(Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

Do:

• Remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
• Curl into a ball with your head tucked, and your hands over your ears and neck if a dog knocks you over.
• Avoid direct eye contact with the dog.
• Say No or Go home in a very firm, deep voice.
• Stand with the side of your body facing the dog. Directly facing a dog can make the dog feel threatened.
• Slowly raise your hands to your neck with your elbows in.
• Wait for the dog to pass or slowly back away from the dog.

Don’t

• Approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Run from a dog.
• Panic or make loud noises.
• Disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
• Pet a dog without allowing it to get to know you (sniffing, seeing you first.)
• Encourage your dog to play aggressively.
• Let small children play with a dog unsupervised.

Although we hope you will never sustain an injury from a dog, it is important to know how to treat an animal bite injury before an incident occurs. Legally, dog bites are classified as non-severe or severe. When a non-severe injury occurs, the victim may have a small wound or bruising that requires minimal medical attention and expenses. On the other hand, a severe dog bite is classified by broken bones or wounds that require stiches and/or surgery. Severe dog bites require intensive medical attention and could lead to high medical bills.

If you are bitten by a dog and the injury is non-severe, the first step to take is to rinse the wound under running water for five to ten minutes. Then, wrap the wound and apply pressure to stop any bleeding. Even if you can treat your injury at home, it is important to seek medical attention to prevent a dog bite infection. Bacteria may be introduced into the bite wound area and could cause secondary infections or issues. If you sustain a severe injury from a dog, seek medical attention immediately. Getting help right away is critical in order to stop severe bleeding or set broken bones. Severe dog bite injuries often require stitches, casts, or even surgery, so you will want to be seen by a doctor right away. When receiving medical treatment for an animal bite injury, it is important to get copies of your medical records and doctors notes. Getting photographs of your injuries will be beneficial as well. This information will play an important part in your legal case and rights to compensation.

After being injured by an animal the pain, medical expenses, emotional effects and fight for compensation can feel overwhelming. Don’t fight alone. Get a fighter on your side who understands the dog bite laws in Pennsylvania. Reach out to our dog bite lawyers today to learn how we can help you!

An animal attack can cause severe injuries without a bite ever occurring. Dogs get excited and rowdy, which can cause unintentional injuries. A dog may run into you, breaking a bone or tearing a muscle. Or, a dog may knock you over causing you to hit your head, which could also cause a critical injury. Any encounter with an animal can turn dangerous if the dog is poorly mannered and not under control. It’s a dog’s impact, not its intent, that matters in dog bite and animal attack cases.