Avoid a New Haven Personal Injury: Dog Bite Prevention Tips For Summer

It’s no secret that even the friendliest of dogs can sometimes attack causing personal injury. With 70 million dogs living in households across the country, $4.5 million Americans suffer dog bites each year. An Oklahoma woman was recently mauled to death by her neighbor’s dogs.

In the state of Connecticut, the dog bite law is strict liability. This means that when the dog you care for harms another, you are responsible for the injuries. There are very few exceptions.

Dogs show their stress in their behavior by licking their lips, pulling back ears, whites of the eyes showing. growling/barking, turning their head/body away, stiff body and resisting following their owner’s commands.

Here are a few tips to stay safe around dogs:

• Ask the owner first before petting a dog.
• Avoid dogs who are barking or growling.
• Avoid a dog who is sleeping, eating, or chewing a toy.
• After you receive permission to pet a dog, let it sniff your closed hand.
• If an unknown dog approaches you, stay stiff and quiet.

If you or a family member suffered a dog bite, you may need a New Haven personal injury lawyer. Contact our firm immediately.