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Basic Rules on How to Be Safe Around Dogs
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More than 70 percent of households in the United States own at least one dog, making dogs the most common pet by a large margin. In total, that’s over 90 million families that own a dog. While most of these animals are friendly, loving members of the family they belong to, dogs can also be ferocious animals. In fact, each year in the United States, more than 4.5 people are bitten by dogs. While not every attack results in serious injuries, many do. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 2,000 people per day receive medical attention for dog-bite-related injuries. At the law firm of Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, our Chicago dog bite lawyers help victims recover financial compensation after being attacked by vicious animals. We recognize that dog bite injuries result in not only physical injuries but also emotional trauma, and we will do everything possible to make the recovery process as easy on you and your family.
Staying Safe Around Dogs
Given the risks that dogs pose, it is imperative that anyone who even occasionally finds themselves around these animals knows how to stay safe. While the image of a dog chasing a mail carrier is an old stereotype, it’s not an inaccurate one. In fact, a recent study conducted by the USPS found that more than 5,800 postal employees were attacked by dogs in 2020 alone. Realizing the threat dogs present, the United States Postal Service recently released tips on how to remain safe when around unfamiliar dogs.
Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Dogs are often seen barking at passersby; however, you should not assume that dogs will make themselves visible. When walking in an unfamiliar area, be vigilant and always keep an eye out for signs of an unrestrained dog. For example, watch out for a dog house, dog toys, food bowls, or any other signs that there may be a dog in the area.
Be Aware of What a Dog Is Doing
If you approach a dog, make note of the dog’s behavior. Is the dog sleeping, eating, or acting erratically? Each of these situations can increase the chances that a dog will attack if disturbed.
Be Cautions of Frightened Animals
While some dogs attack out of aggression, many dogs attack based on fear. In fact, frightened dogs are some of the most dangerous animals you can encounter, as they are often extremely unpredictable. If a dog is fearful of you or anything else in its environment, stay clear.
Don’t Scare a Dog
Whether a dog is sleeping, eating, or just not paying close attention to its surroundings, never do anything that could startle the dog. When startled, a dog’s instincts will often take over, causing them to immediately attack without a second thought.
Never Assume a Dog is Friendly
While most serious dog bites are carried out by Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and other breeds that are known to be dangerous, the reality is that any dog can attack a human for seemingly no reason. Thus, anytime you approach an unfamiliar dog, do not assume that it won’t bite you.
Always Keep Your Eyes on the Dog
Most dog bites attack when the victim is not paying attention to the dog. Thus, if you come across a potentially dangerous dog, always keep the dog in your field of vision. That said, you should refrain from making direct eye contact with the animal, as it may take this as a sign of aggression on your part, potentially triggering an attack.
Be Friendly
If approached by an unfamiliar dog, talk to the animal in a soft, friendly voice. Additionally, you should never attempt to pet or feed the dog.
Stand Your Ground
In the event that a dog comes towards you, do not turn and run, scream, or make any sudden moves or gestures. Instead, remain in place, keeping your eyes on the approaching dog. If you have something to put between you and the dog, such as a purse or bag, that can interrupt the dog’s view of you and act as a physical barrier. Once the dog stops approaching, you should slowly back away while keeping your body facing the dog. Again, avoid making direct eye contact with the dog or doing anything that may frighten the animal.
Of course, despite all the precautions in the world, sometimes you cannot prevent an attack. In these situations, it’s all about damage control.
If you are being attacked by a dog, there may be things you can do to lessen the chance of serious injury. For example, you can try to put an object in the dog’s mouth in hopes that it will bite the object. For example, you could take off your shoe or use your purse. If you do not have anything available, the next best option may be to sacrifice your less dominant arm. For example, if you are right-handed, you could hold out your left arm. Once the dog bites you, do not pull back, as this will only make your injuries more severe and, if the dog loses its grip, it may bite again. Often a dog will lose interest once it realizes you are not fighting back or pulling away. Once the dog releases you, stay facing the dog with an aggressive stance. You can then start to back away from the animal slowly while still facing the dog. If all else fails and the dog is relentlessly attacking you, your only remaining option may be to curl up in the fetal position, covering your head and abdomen with your arms and legs. When the dog stops attacking, wait until it is at least 20 feet away before getting up and slowly backing away.
Have You Been Attacked by a Vicious Dog?
If you, your child, or a loved one was recently attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to monetary damages through a dog bite lawsuit. At the law firm of Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, our Chicago dog bite lawyers have more than 25 years of experience helping injury victims obtain meaningful compensation for what they’ve been through. Over this time, we’ve recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. To learn more about the services we provide, and to speak with a local Chicago dog bite lawyer about your injuries, call Briskman Briskman & Greenberg at 877-595-4878. We offer all dog bite victims a free consultation and, as part of the Briskman Guarantee we extend to all clients, if you bring a case with us, we will not bill you for our services unless we can recover compensation on your behalf.
Additional Dog Bite Resources
- Basic Rules on How to Be Safe Around Dogs
- Can You Sue for a Dog Bite?
- Common Places Where Dog Bites Can Happen
- Dog Bite Lawsuit Process
- Home Insurance and Dog Bites
- Level I Trauma Centers that Treat Dog Bites in Chicago
- What Evidence Is Needed For A Dog Bite Lawsuit?
- What Is Strict Liability in a Dog Bite Case?
- Why Do Dogs Bite?
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