An estimated 4.5 million dog bites happen in the United States every year, with nearly 800,000 requiring medical care for the victim, according to the American Humane Society. Because so many dog attacks happen every year, the chances are that you or someone you know will be injured by a dog attack at some point in your life.
But while it may seem inevitable that you suffer such an injury, you have the ability to decrease the chances that you or a loved one will be involved in a northern California dog attack. Most often, aggressive animals are the ones to attack, but signs of aggression are not always easy to spot. To prevent a dog attack, learn to spot both the signs of an aggressive dog and the situations that may make a normally friendly animal into a potentially dangerous one.
Dogs that are more likely to act aggressively may be involved in the following situations:
- The dog has been subjected to abuse.
- The dog is sick.
- He or she is protecting puppies.
- The animal is chained up or restrained in some way.
- The dog is eating.
However, not all dangerous situations are obvious; as such, it is important to watch out for the following behaviors that will indicate the dog may bite.
- Barking
- Dog becomes still and rigid
- Growling
- Lunging
- Curled lips
- Punching with its nose
Dogs may become aggressive for many reasons, but it is the responsibility of owners to restrain them and understand the incidents that may result in attacks and prevent them from happening. But many owners neglect their responsibilities, often resulting in serious injuries for innocent victims.
If you or a loved one has been injured by an animal, a Cupertino dog attack victim attorney at Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys can provide you with the representation needed to prove fault and find needed compensation. For more information on how we may be able to assist you, contact our legal team at (800) 900-0863.