What Georgian’s Need to Know About Dog Bites

Dogs have long been considered “man’s best friend”, but the fact of the matter is that dogs are animals, and that makes them unpredictable. There are a lot of misconceptions about dog bites, what contributes to bite injuries, how to treat injuries, and what varieties of dogs are most dangerous. At The Dixon Firm, we want to clear up the misconceptions and provide our readers with information that really matters.

Whether you are a dog owner, a neighbor concerned about the safety of your family, or you have already been bitten by a dog, it is important to understand your legal rights. In this article, we will provide you with helpful information that Georgian’s need to know about dog bites.

How Common are Dog Bites?

Dog bites are a serious problem across the United States. Consider the following statistics:

According to the CDC, more than 36 percent of all U.S. households have dogs in them. The likelihood of being bitten by a dog increases if there is a dog in your home. The more dogs you have, the greater the risk.

As these statistics show, dog bites are a fairly common occurrence. Part of understanding why they are so common is understanding the factors that contribute to dogs biting.

What are the Most Common Reasons Dog Bites Occur?

Any dog of any breed or size is capable of biting. The majority of dog bite cases are the result of animal instinct kicking in and the dog reacting. The person on the receiving end of the attack may not know how to recognize warning signs or handle a potentially dangerous situation. Here are the five most common reasons why dog bites occur.

How to Prevent Dog Bites

Animal behavior is often difficult to understand, which means it is important that you and your family are aware of how to react to potentially dangerous animal encounters. Whether the dog is a family friend or a stranger, it is important to respond appropriately to prevent injuries.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

After a dog bite occurs, the first step is treating the injury. Minor injuries can often be treated at home, but it is a good idea to see a doctor in order to prevent infection. Dog teeth often carry infection that can easily spread to humans.

The next step you should consider is contacting a dog-bite attorney to find out more about your legal rights. Dogs who are not properly cared for, supervised, or vaccinated can be dangerous, and you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and resulting expenses. To learn more, contact our Atlanta dog bite lawyers today.