Dog Bites: Painful and Emotionally Scarring

Do you have a dog for a pet? They are not only man's best friend, but they are wonderful company and protectors for all, young and old.

As a pet owner you know that you have a responsibility to feed them properly, give them access to water and comfortable bedding. But another serious pet owner responsibility is to make sure the dog is well-trained and safely able to be around people and other animals.

A huge number of people - 4.5 million - are bitten by dogs each year in the U.S. and fully half of them are children ages 5 to 9! A dog bite can cause serious injuries or even death in both children and adults. Typical injuries include lacerations, puncture wounds, tissue loss, fractures, sprains and strains and infections like rabies and cellulitis.

Victims of dog bites can also suffer from non-visible damage like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fear of dogs and therefore of being outside, emotional and psychological trauma - especially in children - and social shame from disfiguring scars.

• Stay away from strange dogs and instruct your children to do the same.
• Don't enter the animal's "personal space" such as a yard or dog run.
• Remain still - the dog will be encouraged to chase you if you try to run away.
• Try to read the dog's body language and stay away from a dog that looks tense or is backing away.
• Avoid eye contact!

Even at home with your own pet:

• Never leave a baby or young child alone with a dog.
• Give your dog space when eating or sleeping, and teach your child to leave the dog alone when in a crate.
• Stop your child from wrestling with the dog or taking toys away.

• If possible, move away from the dog quickly.
• Call 911 if any injury is severe or if you are in danger.
• Wash any non-serious bites by your own dog with soap and then bandage. Keep an eye on the wound for signs of infection.
• If the injury is serious or the dog isn't yours, get a doctor's treatment as soon as possible.
• Track down information about a strange dog including owner information and histories of attacks and immunizations.

Don't ignore any physical, psychological or emotional damage brought on by a dog bite. If you or a family member has suffered from a dog's attack or any other premises liability or personal injury, please contact the Law Offices of Diana Santa Maria, P.A. for a free consultation. Attorney Diana Santa Maria, personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale, will fight to get you the compensation that you and your family deserve. You can reach us at (954) 434-1077 or contact us via the website.