Dog bites are more than an inconvenience – they can lead to serious injuries and even death. The Centers for Disease Control have released guidelines pertaining to what you should do and what you should never do if you want to avoid being the victim of a dog bite attack. Read on to learn about them. If you have already suffered an injury as a result of a dog bite, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Things to Do to Prevent a Dog Bite
First and foremost, if you come across a person with a dog you do not know, always ask if you can pet them before you reach out. Even the smallest, happiest, sweetest looking dog can bite a person who touches them unexpectedly. Do not assume that any dog is safe unless you have heard it from the owner themselves. Even then, most any dog is capable of violence.
If a strange dog comes up to you, stay still. Do not make eye contact. Do not run away – their instinct is to chase anything that is running. Stay where you are until the dog looks away, then slowly back up and get out of there. If you attacked by a dog and knocked over, curl into a ball and protected your ears, neck, and head with your hands. If you see a stray dog or a dog that is behaving strangely, let the authorities know right away.
Things to Avoid to Stay Safe When Dogs Are Around
Do not approach a dog you do not know. Never run from a dog. If you are scared, do not panic or make loud noises. Remain calm. Even the nicest dog should never been disturbed when they are eating, sleeping, or caring for their puppies.
Do not pet a dog that has not first seen you and had a chance to sniff you. This can help them feel comfortable and unthreatened. If you have a dog, do not encourage your dog to play aggressively, they do not know how much is too much. Finally, do not leave a small child to play with a dog unless they are supervised. This applies even to a dog the child is very familiar with and vice versa.
Have You Been Injured by a Dog? Find Out What Your Options Are
If you have been injured or bitten by a dog, you may wonder: What are my options? The answer depends on many factors. In most cases, the owner of the dog is responsible for any damages their dog causes, even if they had no evidence in the past that their dog was capable of being violent. If you have been injured then we recommend you contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation. We can asses your case and let you know what your options are.
