JENKINTOWN PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), dogs bite more than 4.7 million people every year. Over 800,000 people—half of them children—seek medical attention for dog bite injuries. Many experts believe that public education can significantly reduce these numbers.

A random encounter with an aggressive dog is a scary experience. Dog bites can be very serious and can cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, and emotional distress as well as pain and infection from the bite wound. If you are approached by a ferocious dog, try to remain calm and keep the following five tips in mind. They may help reduce your risk of severe injury and may even save your life!

1. Do not shout, scream, or try to run away. If you run, the dog will perceive you as prey and follow in pursuit. Instead, wait calmly for the dog to lose interest and then back away slowly to a safe place.
2. Remain calm, quiet, and still. If you do not appear to be a threat, the dog may choose not to attack.
3. Stand very still and avoid looking directly into the dog’s eyes. Aggressive dogs perceive a direct stare as a confrontation and may decide to attack as a result.
4. If an attacking dog knocks you to the ground, protect your head and face by curling up into a ball, tucking your chin into your chest, and covering your ears.
5. If a dog attacks, put anything you have in your hands—a sweater, book, purse, or umbrella—between yourself and the dog’s mouth. This tactic may distract the dog long enough so that you can get to safety.

Dogs can be very unpredictable when they are loose and may attack due to fear, pain, or anxiety. Knowing how to react when attacked by a vicious dog may help reduce your risk of severe injuries. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog attack, contact a Philadelphia dog bite attorney at Mednick, Mezyk, and Kredo at 888-807-9675. We will review your case for free and help you to understand your legal options.