On average, over 600 Floridians suffer dog bite injuries serious enough to require hospitalization every year. In addition, an average of two Florida residents dies due to dog-related injuries. Unfortunately, children between one and nine years of age are at the highest risk for dog bites, with boys at greater risk than girls. Contrary to what some might think, victims generally know the dog that bit them. In fact, bites most frequently occurred in the victim or dog’s home, and most often involved the family dog. As Florida personal injury attorneys, we know how devastating dog bite injuries can be.
With this in mind, we would like to remind our readers of the following dog safety tips:
- Never approach an unfamiliar dog.
- Never run from a dog and never scream around a dog.
- If you believe a dog is about to attack you, try to place something between yourself and the dog, such as a backpack or a bicycle.
- If a dog knocks you over, roll into a ball, cover your face and stay still.
- Children should never approach or play with dogs unless supervised by an adult.
- Children should tell an adult if they see a stray dog or a dog acting strangely.
- Don't look a dog right in the eyes.
- Don't disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
- Adults should never leave an infant or young child alone with any dog, not even the family pet.
Source: Florida Department of Health
The Dellutri Law Group is focused on making bad situations better and putting lives back together. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Florida accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more about your legal options, contact our experienced Florida injury attorneys for a free consultation.
