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Dog bite injuries affect more than four and a half million people in the United States every year. Of these dog bite injuries, about six percent are treated in hospitals across the nation. The medical costs related to dog bite injuries in the US each year total in the hundreds of millions. Young children are largest group of individuals to suffer from dog bite injuries. Most dog bite injuries involve unrestrained dogs on their owner''s property, though dog bites can happen anywhere. Serious dog bite injuries are defined as those resulting in muscle tears, or lacerations which are disfiguring or that require cosmetic surgery or extensive sutures. Dog bite injuries do not need to be considered serious, however, in order to take legal action for recovery of damages related to these incidents.
It is important to understand the causes of dog bite injuries and how to prevent them. Dog bite injuries occur when an animal, acting out of fear or aggression, responds to their environmental stimulus by biting a human being. The following factors increase the likelihood of dog bite injuries: unaltered animals, animals who are chained up or mistreated, animals who are trying to protect their owner(s) and/or territory, animals who are startled out of sleep, bothered while eating or playing with toys or treats, animals who encounter unknown situations or people and dogs who wish to dominate their victim.
There are several steps dog owners can take to lower the risk of dog bite injuries such as properly socializing their canines, getting them spayed or neutered, humanely training them, supervising them properly (especially when children are near), obeying all animal restraint and confinement laws, and treating dogs humanely.
Potential dog bite injury victims should be cautious around unknown canines. Animals that are sleeping, eating, or playing with toys should not be startled or bothered. Children should be taught the appropriate and safe ways to handle animals, and when to avoid them. Education about canine behavior and the humane treatment of animals will also diminish the likelihood of dog bite injuries.
When dog bite injuries do occur it is important to seek medical help (for injuries that require treatment) and file the proper documents with local police and animal control officials. Try to gather as much information about the dog and its owner at the time of the incident, as well as any other pertinent details about the dog bite injury circumstances.
Should a dog bite injury affect you or someone you know, you have the legal right to seek restitution for the damages inflicted by the injury. Though laws throughout the United States differ, all victims of dog bite injuries are entitled to seek compensation from the following parties: people whose negligence caused a dog bite injury, people who are in violation of animal restraint, confinement, and humane treatment statutes, and dog owners who are aware of their animal''s history of aggression towards people. There are some cases where other people can be held liable for dog bite injuries. Victims of dog bite injuries have the legal right to seek compensation for their damages, and should consult a legal professional to help maximize their interests.
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