Dog Attacks Are Increasing In The U.S. | Texas Dog Attack Lawyer Mark A. Anderson
Currently, winter weather in Fort Worth is very nice and allows us to go on a run or walk outside. Sometimes when I am jogging around the neighborhood, I see dogs that looks like they are going to chase or possibly bite me and it scares the daylight out of me. Many people have experienced the same sensation, but experts say that more people are experiencing the real thing: a dog attack, resulting in injuries. According to a government report based upon information from the Nationwide Department Sample for 2008 and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 1993-2008, the reports of dog attacks are increasing.
In 1993, there were 5,100 reported cases of dog bites that resulted in hospitalization. That number has increased dramatically since then with 9,500 reported cases of severe injuries in 2008.
The study looked at what related factors could be causing an unusual spike in the number of cases. What was interesting, and somewhat alarming, was that the increase was not related to an increase in dog ownership or population growth. In fact, the instances of dog bites far exceeded what it should have been in relation to population growth.
When one hears the term dog bite they might not take it seriously, but they can be extremely serious. Dogs are surprisingly very strong and can easily overcome a smaller or typically weaker person. Young children under the age of 5 and elder citizens over the age of 65 are most at risk for serious dog bites, according to the study. Serious injuries come with serious costs, and the average medical bill for the reported dog bites was $18,200 per person.
One time I was jogging and a big dog started chasing me, I bent over, picked up a rock and acted like I was going to throw it at the dog. By doing that it allowed some room in between me and the dog, ultimately we both went our separate ways. Another recommendation I have is to carry an old golf club or sticks, if you are going on a walk. It will scare the attacking dog and keep yourself from getting bit.
I Was Bit By A Dog, What Does The Law Say?
Texas Law has a one bite rule, it states that to prevail on a dog bite claim you have to be able to prove that the owner new or should have known the dangers of the dog and prove it. Typically, when we represent a client for their dog attack case we can find that if a dog has attacked once he has probably attacked before. Many times , we investigate by talking to neighbors who are aware with the dangerous nature of the dogs.
Information and commentary provided by Tarrant County Dog Bite Attorney Mark A. Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be contacted in Ft. Worth at 817-294-1900. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, please fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
Comments
i saw a news, one boy was attacked by a dog, then he was starting to run, but that dog keep running after him. the horrible thing was, after that, all the dogs start to follow that dog to attack that boy.
Posted by: personal injury lawyers | February 15, 2011 5:30 PM