This week (May 15 -21) is Dog Bite Prevention Week, and with South Florida’s great weather, beaches and parks, it’s an ideal place for dog lovers to take their lovable, playful pups for a stroll. A recent press release from State Farm, however, showed that not every dog’s bark is worse than its bite.
According to the press release, Florida ranks 7th for dog bite claims in the US. Furthermore, as Yahoo News noted, Florida had the highest average payout last year, at $38,356 per claim.
Dog bite accidents can result in serious injury and, in spite of well-trained dogs and Florida’s tough statute, dog bites are a common occurrence. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that 4.7 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs every year, with the most common victims being children (the elderly being 2nd most common). Interestingly, dog bites to children usually occur with familiar dogs during everyday activities.
Here are some tips, care of AVMA and State Farm, to prevent dog bite accidents:
• Teach young children to be careful around pets • Ask permission of a dog’s owner before petting, or allowing a child to pet, a dog • Never leave babies or small children alone with a dog
If you’ve been injured as a result of an animal or dog bite, our attorneys are ready to help.
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