Preventing Dog Attacks in Phoenix
Phoenix is a great town for dog-lovers, with plenty of places to play: Cesar Chavez Dog Park, Esteban Park, Hance Dog Park, Paradise Valley, Deer Valley, Deem Hills Park, and more!
But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.5 million people are victims of dog bites annually, and 885,000 of those bites require medical attention. Children are at the highest risk of dog bites, and adult males are the second most likely to suffer a dog attack.
A study of a level-one pediatric trauma center in Maricopa County was released in 2015. It found that:
- Over half of the attacking dogs belonged to the child’s family, immediate or extended
- Nearly 70% of the children required surgical intervention
- 76% required laceration repairs
- 14% required tissue transfers, and
- 2% required neurological interventions.
The worst injuries included depressed skull fractures, brain bleeds, crushed throats, and damage to the genitals. The Husband and Wife Law Team wants to share a few tips to avoid these horrible situations in the first place, whenever possible.
Tips for Preventing Dog Attacks
The following tips can help you in preventing dog attacks:
- Never approach a dog that is without an owner.
- Never approach an unknown dog.
- Never approach an injured dog. Call a professional who can help it get the attention it needs.
- Do not approach a dog that is nursing, sleeping or eating.
- Do not run from or chase a dog.
In Arizona, if a dog injures a human, its owner may be responsible for its behavior, even if the owner is unaware that the dog has a vicious nature, as long as the victim did not provoke the dog.
Warning Signs in an Aggressive Dog
While there is no guaranteed method to prevent all dog bites, there are animal behaviors that you can learn to recognize that will help you to see if a dog is angry or agitated. The following are just a handful of behaviors that dogs use to communicate that they are in a situation that causes them to feel aggressive:
- Growling
- Snarling
- Baring teeth
- An intense stare
- Bristling of hair around the neck and shoulders (the scruff)
- Ears that are flat or standing straight up
Even if you follow all of these rules, dog aggression is complex, and dogs do not always display aggressive behaviors before attacking.
What Should You Do After an Attack?
If you are a dog bite victim, it is essential that you research dog bite lawyers and find one that meets your needs as soon as possible. Keep in mind, while there is a two-year statute of limitations, injured victims lose many of the protections afforded to them if they fail to make a claim within the first year.
In some instances, owners claim that the victim provoked the dog, thus avoiding penalties. That’s why, even in what may seem like a straightforward case, the claimant should seek professional counsel.
Breyer Law Offices, P.C.’s Phoenix dog bite lawyers specialize in dog bite law. We are attorneys who have successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases, and we can help you with honest, candid answers to all of your questions. Call The Husband & Wife Law Team at (602) 457-6222 for a free consultation today to discuss your case.
Additional Information
How to Avoid Dog Bite Injuries: Does the Owner have Control?
Avoiding Arizona Dog Attacks with Your New Adopted Dog
Top Tips for Avoiding Dog Bites
Recognizing Risky Situations Helps Prevent Dog Bites
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During a free consultation, we will look at the important aspects of your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal rights and options clearly. All submissions are confidentially reviewed by Mark Breyer.
Confidentially reviewed by Attorney Mark Breyer