Dogs, often called “man’s best friend,” can sometimes turn dangerous. According to the CDC, approximately 4.5 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year, with 800,000 of these cases requiring medical attention. Tragically, 17 people died from dog bite-related injuries in 2023. Children are the most common victims of dog bites. The rise in dog ownership has paralleled an increase in dog bite incidents, leading to over $1 billion in losses annually, including $650 million paid by homeowners’ insurance.
Dogs bite for various reasons, such as fear, territorial protection, dominance, and misdirected training. These behaviors can result in serious and sometimes fatal attacks on humans. While most dogs are not naturally aggressive toward people, certain triggers can provoke them to bite.
Humans can inadvertently provoke dogs through actions such as approaching fighting dogs, attacking or threatening a dog or its companions, attempting to take a dog’s food, or staring directly into a dog’s eyes. Children, in particular, are prone to provoke dogs due to their size and unpredictable movements.
To ensure child safety around dogs:
Proper training and socialization can reduce canine aggression. Dogs should be trained to be comfortable with common human interactions and discouraged from dominance behaviors. Children should be supervised around dogs to prevent accidental provocation.
Large, muscular breeds such as pit bulls and Rottweilers are often associated with severe attacks. However, aggression is not breed-specific and can result from various factors, including inadequate training and irresponsible ownership. Breed-specific legislation is controversial and often ineffective in preventing dog attacks.
In Ohio, dog owners are strictly liable for their pets’ actions. If a dog bites someone, the owner is responsible for damages, including medical bills, loss of income, and emotional distress. Immediate steps for dog bite victims include obtaining the owner’s information, filing a police report, saving medical records, and taking photos of the injury.
Postal workers and package delivery drivers are particularly vulnerable to dog bites. In 2021, over 5,400 postal employees were bitten by dogs, a significant increase from previous years. These incidents often occur on homeowners’ doorsteps. Dog owners are liable for bites, even if the postal worker is perceived as a trespasser.
Dog attacks are traumatic and often result from owner neglect. Our aggressive legal approach ensures that such incidents are met with the full force of justice, protecting victims’ rights. At Goldberg Legal, we are committed to holding negligent owners accountable and securing the compensation victims deserve. Call us at (440) 519-9900 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your potential dog bite claim and ensure you don’t miss the statute of limitations.
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