Dogs offer companionship, a sense of security, and can make life more rewarding. However, they can also be prone to unpredictable behavior, which includes biting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4,500,000 dog bites occur every year, mostly to children. A study by the State University of New York at Buffalo showed that dog bite injuries to the head and neck are at their highest during the summer months. This could be a result of more people being outside when the weather is nice, but no matter the cause, anyone else that sees a dog approaching should be extra careful. This also applies to walkers, joggers, and bicyclists.
When Children are Bitten
The study looked at children up to age 19 that were attacked by dogs, showing an increase during the summer months. Of the injured victims, over half were under the age of four. The bites were broken down as follows:
- Ears and nose: 20 percent
- Lips: 21 percent
- Cheeks: 34 percent
In most cases, healing went well except for those who experienced contamination to the wounds, although infections were not all that common. The most cited breed for biting attacks was pit bulls.
Dog Bite Insurance Claims
Dog bites are sometimes covered by insurance companies under homeowner’s insurance. The insurance may pay for personal injuries that happen on the owner’s property. Pet owners that do not have homeowner’s insurance may be facing risk, since dog bites can result in high medical expenses for the injured parties.
If the bite occurred inside of a car, it is possible that the pet owner’s auto insurance will provide benefits for the dog bite. There are also specialty insurance carriers that offer pet insurance, but they may not cover repeated animal bites. Even if there is no insurance available from any source, the dog bite victim may still have legal recourse; laws for this vary by state. It is important to note that some companies will not cover certain dog breeds, such as pit bulls.
Preventing Dog Bites
With many dog bites throughout the year and especially in the summer, owners may want to make training a priority. Although some breeds are more prone to biting than others, it makes sense to take steps towards prevention, which includes keeping dogs on leashes when outside. Those that encounter dogs can prioritize their safety by staying away from them, especially if they do not know them or their owners. Small children, the elderly, and other dogs have been bitten when people reach out or get too close to dogs, even if the pet in question does not have a history of biting.
Atlantic City Dog Bite Injury Lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm Offer Legal Guidance for Dog Bite Victims
When dogs behave badly, people can become injured. For effective legal counsel with a dog bite claim, the Atlantic City dog bite injury lawyers at the D’Amato Law Firm can help. Call us today at 609-926-3300 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. Located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, we represent clients throughout South Jersey, including Atlantic City, Linwood, Galloway Township, Cape May, Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton, Ocean City, and Woodbury.