Dangerous Dogs

Last week, a Kansas man was awarded $7.25 million in damages after being injured by a group of pit bulls in 2006. The plaintiff was mowing a vacant lot he owned when the dogs escaped from a nearby property and mauled him. As a result of the attack, he was hospitalized, lived on a feeding tube for a month, and nearly died. The judge ruled "the attack caused permanent disfiguring and disabling injuries including complex facial lacerations, extensive lacerations to his upper and lower extremities, and multisystem organ failure." The plaintiff's medical bills totaled more than $500,000 and the loss of direct and future income is estimated at more than $1 million. (Hoffman, www.kansascity.com, 6/10/08)

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports that each year, 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites and half of those injuries are children. Approximately half of those injured require emergency treatment and about a dozen die of dog bite-related injuries. The United States Postal Service announced that, "Last year, more than 3,000 city and rural carriers were attacked by dogs across the United States."

It is important to know how to protect yourself. Don't run past a dog. If you feel threatened, don't scream, avoid eye contact, remain motionless, and back away slowly after the dog leaves. Never approach a strange dog. Always ask an owner if it's alright to pet their dog. Let a dog see and sniff you before you pet him. Place something between you and the dog if you think a dog is about to attack you. (USPS, http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2008/pr08_055.htm, 5/15/08)

If you or a family member has been attacked or bitten by a dog, you may have a claim against the dog owner. Contact one of our experienced dog bite attorneys today about your specific situation.

Important resources include: American Veterinary Medical Association - http://www.avma.org/press/publichealth/dogbite/mediakit.asp

CDC Injury Center - http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/biteprevention.htm