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Dog Bite - What do you do?

April 5, 2013 | Category: Animal Attacks | Share

"Dogs are 'man's best friend', but sometimes they may bite.  Do you know how to avoid dog bites?  If a dog bit you, your child, or someone you know, would you know what to do? MedicineNet.com, the Humane Society of the United States, and WebMD have some helpful information and advice." says Fort Myers Animal Attacks Lawyer, Randall Spivey, Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. 

Dog - Man's Best FriendAccording to MedicineNet.com, there are close to 75 million dogs in the United States, and approximately 880,000 dog-bite victims seek medical advice in hospitals each year.  Dogs bite more men than women and more children between 5 and 9 years of age. 

How do you avoid dog bites? The Humane Society of the United States recommends:

  • Never approach an unfamiliar dog, especially ones that are confined, leashed, or in a car.
  • Don't pet a dog, even your own, until the dog has seen and sniffed you.
  • Never turn your back on a dog and run away. The dog's natural instinct is to chase after you.
  • Don't disturb a dog that is sleeping, caring for puppies, chewing a toy or eating.

What should you do if you think a dog may attack?   

  • Resist the impulse to run away.
  • Remain motionless, hands at your side, avoid eye contact with the dog.
  • When the dog loses interest in you, back slowly away until he is out of sight.
  • If the dog does attack, feed him anything - your jacket, purse, or anything to put between you and the attacking dog.
  • If you should fall or are knocked to the ground, put your hands over your ears, and curl in a ball. Remain motionless.  Try not to scream or roll around.

What should you do if bitten by a dog?  WebMD recommends, "That although you can provide first aid for a dog bite at home, it's very important to see a doctor, especially if the dog was  unfamiliar to you, the bite is deep, you can't stop bleeding, or there are signs of infection."

 

Fort Myers Animal Attacks Lawyer, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by less than 2 percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 1,500 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at  239. 337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com  for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.

 

 

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