Protecting Your Family From Dog Bites

Two recent dog attacks in South Carolina took the life of a 66-year-old woman and left a toddler seriously injured.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), just under 5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and dog bite-related injuries are the highest in children ages 5 to 9 year-old. Also, the CDC says the incidence of dog bites is greater in families who own dogs. In fact, as the number of dogs in the home increases, so does the incidence of dog bites.

Although many dogs are friendly, loving members of our families, adults need to take the time to discuss basic dog safety with children. The CDC suggests reviewing and reinforcing the following tips with children when it comes to dealing with dogs.

●    Do not approach unfamiliar dogs.
●    Do not run from a dog and scream.
●    Be still if approached by an unfamiliar dog.
●    If knocked down by a dog, roll into a ball and stay still.
●    Do not play with a dog unless an adult is present and supervising.
●    Immediately tell an adult about stray dogs or dogs acting strangely.
●    Do not make eye contact with a dog.
●    Do not approach a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for their young.
●    Do not pet a dog before allowing it to see and sniff you first.
●    Report bites immediately to an adult.

Now that Spring is fast approaching, more of us will be outside enjoying the weather - especially children. Unfortunately, this leaves us all more vulnerable to dog attacks. Take the time to discuss dog safety with your children and reinforce the message regularly with your family.

If you or a family member has been injured by a dog attack, contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

Ty Wilson is a personal injury attorney in Georgia and is dedicated to helping injured people and their families. Call his office today at 888-689-5224 to order his free book, 10 Secrets of Georgia Car Wreck Claims. This book is intended to give you and/or your loved one a solid foundation regarding Georgia auto accident claims, how to hire an attorney, and how to deal with the insurance company prior to speaking with an attorney.

http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Dog-Bites/dogbite-factsheet.html