A lot of people are animal lovers and have a dog or cat, or both at home. Some people have multiple dogs and cats, or other pets, such as birds, rabbits, and reptiles. As much as we love animals, especially dogs who are “man’s best friend,” we must remember that they are animals and they still have the ability to harm us.
Dogs are much like people and if they are not properly socialized, or if they are not treated well by their owners, they can become skittish and they can be overly aggressive. Most of the time, dogs can be some of the most loving animals, but if their owners don’t give them enough love and affection, or if they are physically abused, they can become dangerous to others.
Of course, there are some dogs who were born naturally aggressive despite having a loving owner, but that’s more the exception than the norm. Regardless of how a dog was raised, it’s the dog’s owner’s responsibility to ensure that their animal does not harm anyone who is lawfully allowed to be on public or private property. If a dangerous dog does bite or attack an innocent person, the dog’s owner can be held liable for any injuries their dog causes.
Safety Tips Around Dogs
Regardless if a dog came from a shelter and has a questionable past, or if the dog is happily sitting in the back of a pickup, or if the dog is roaming around the neighborhood, you always want to approach dogs with caution, even familiar dogs. Follow these tips to reduce the chances of being bitten by a dog:
- Don’t pet a dog who is chewing a toy.
- Don’t pet a dog while it’s eating.
- Don’t pet a dog who is caring for her puppies.
- Ask the owner before petting a strange dog.
- Before petting a strange dog, let the dog sniff you first.
- If a loose dog is roaming, don’t run. Instead, stay still until the dog leaves.
- Don’t pet a strange dog who’s in a car or truck. Dogs protect the space they are in.
If you follow these above safety tips and you are still bitten or attacked by a dangerous dog, the dog’s owner may be legally liable for your damages, such as pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost income. Dog bites can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement, and thousands of dollars in medical bills.
If you are considering a dog bite claim, don’t hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb for a free case evaluation!