There are over 4.5 million people bitten by dogs each year in the United States. Around one out of every five of those people will require medical attention to treat the injury. When you think about how many dogs are present in your life, you start to realize how easy it is to become a victim. Preventing injuries is something you can do in many cases, but the owner of the dog will be liable if you are injured as a result of a pet attacking.
It’s most common for children to be victims of dog bites, which is partially due to their likelihood of being friendlier to strange dogs and also to do with their size. Some dogs may view small children as prey or playmates, but humans can’t withstand the same kind of roughhousing dogs can.
The second most common group injured by dog bites is senior citizens. These individuals are at particular risk of severe injury because of the body’s age. They may not heal as well after a bite and are more prone to infections and other complications.
Our website has more information about dog bites and attacks, so you can learn more about what to do if you’ve been injured. You have the right to compensation from the owner in most cases, so you can focus on your recovery.
Source: Perrault Law Group, “Dog Bite Attorneys in Massachusetts and New Hampshire,” accessed July 15, 2016