Dog bites can be difficult to predict. One minute, a dog may seem fine and the next, they may be on the attack. However, many bite incidents have been associated with similar circumstances and keeping yourself out of them can drastically reduce your risk of getting attacked.
Here are some dangerous situations with dogs to steer clear of and how to get legal help from a qualified dog bite attorney if you were attacked.
Top 5 Dangerous Situations with Dogs to Avoid
Here are the top 5 most dangerous situations with dogs you should avoid whenever possible:
1. Leaving Children Alone with a Dog
Young children should never be left alone with a dog, even if it’s their own dog at home. This is because kids are energetic and unpredictable, which spells trouble if the dog isn’t wanting to play along. Even children that have been taught how to safely interact with dogs are statistically at a higher risk of being attacked when they are alone with one.
2. Coming Up to a Chained Dog
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, dogs that are chained or tethered are 2.8 times more likely to bite than dogs who aren’t. If you see a dog that is chained up outside, don’t approach it or try to walk by it. Even if you think the chain won’t reach you, the dog may be able to escape its collar or pull the chain away from where it’s anchored.
3. Encountering a Loose Dog
If a loose dog comes up to you, try to ignore it and go on your way. Don’t look at, talk to, or touch the animal if you can help it. Aside from the risk of being attacked, strays can carry rabies and other harmful diseases that put you and your family in danger.
If the dog is seeking you out, go inside your vehicle, a store, or somewhere else where it won’t be able to follow. Most stray dogs won’t attack someone unprovoked and will leave you alone once it realizes that you don’t have food and you’re not going to engage with it.
You should also contact animal control to report the dog. If you see that it’s wearing a collar, avoid approaching it to find the tag or contact the owner. It might seem safe enough, but dogs are actually the third most deadly animal in the country, trailing just behind snakes and mosquitoes for the record of the most fatalities.
4. Going Up to a Dog Inside a Vehicle
Just like with loose dogs, animals inside of vehicles should also be avoided. These dogs are often trained for protection and will attack or try to bite anyone who they feel is encroaching on their territory. Walk far away from any vehicles with dogs inside and avoid making eye contact with any dogs that you see, even if the window is rolled up.
5. Being Inside a Home with Multiple Dogs
The Centers for Disease Control also cautions against having multiple dogs in your home or visiting homes in which there are multiple dogs. The agency reports that in homes with two or more dogs, the risk of being attacked is 5 times higher. Plus, the risk goes up with each additional dog that is brought into the house.
What to Do If Someone Is Attacked by a Dog
If you see someone get attacked by a dog, don’t intervene – you risk being attacked yourself. Instead, call for help after getting yourself to a safe location. Then, describe the dog and the situation to authorities who can handle things from there.
If you or a family member were attacked, you may be able to hold the dog owner accountable. The law is on your side – regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was capable of attacking, they are still considered responsible for the actions of their animal and any damages they cause. Get medical care and contact a lawyer as soon as you can after the incident to take the next step.
Mazow | McCullough, PC Are Your Salem, MA Dog Bite Attorneys
Mazow | McCullough, PC has extensive experience representing dog bite victims and families just like yours. Contact us today to learn more about filing a claim against the owner of the dog who attacked you by dialing (978) 744-8000 or toll-free at (855) 693-9084. Our dedicated legal team is standing by to take your call.
