BEWARE OF DOG!!
26 Jul 2007
By Attorney Matthew Noyes
As a personal injury attorney, I see too many instances of people, especially children, being attacked or bitten by dogs. It is important that we all, dog owners or not, understand the magnitude of this problem and take necessary precautions to avoid having a loved one become a victim.
"Dog attacks are the No. 1 public health problem of children," said Dr. John I. Freeman, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. As many as one million people each year require medical attention because of dog attacks. Sixty percent (60%) of these victims are children. Approximately 12 people each year die from dog attacks.
Dog attacks cost society about $1 billion annually and reported dog attacks have increased at a rate of 2% annually, according to the Insurance Information Institute, and 37% from 1986 to 1994. Thus, it is crucial that we make careless dog owners responsible for their irresponsibility.
Under the laws of Florida, owners of dogs will be liable for injuries or damage done by their dogs to a person. This liability is regardless of the owner's knowledge (or lack of knowledge) of their dog's vicious propensities or any question of negligence in keeping the dog or in allowing it to run loose.
When a victim of a dog bite or attack comes to me for representation, I make a claim against the dog owner's homeowner's insurance policy for the physical and emotional damages such an attack imposes on the victim. Insurance companies paid an estimated $250 million in dog bite liability claims in 1996 according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Pet owners should take the necessary precautions to prevent their pets from biting or attacking people and being exposed to liability. Some tips include:
- Socializing your dog so it feels at ease around people and other animals.
- Don't put the dog in situations where it may feel threatened or teased.
- Obey leash laws. Don't let the dog rom free.
- Train your dog to obey basic commands such as "stay," "no," and "come."
- Keep your dog healthy with the proper vaccinations.
If approached by a dog, these tips may reduce the chances of being attacked:
- Don't run away. Stay still until the dog leaves, or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight.
- Avoid eye contact. Remain calm.
- If knocked to the ground, curl up into a ball, placing your hands over your head and neck. Protect your face.
If you have any questions as to your rights after being bitten or attacked by a dog, please feel free to contact me for a free consultation. If you are interested in obtaining a brochure titled "Don't Worry, They Don't Bite" which provides tips for dog owners to encourage proper pet behavior or an activity book titled "Fido! Friend or Foe?" which teaches children how to act safely around dogs through coloring, dot-to-dot, seek and find and other activities, call 1-877-254-FIDO (3436).
