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Child Injuries: Dog Bites

In the United States nearly 5 million people are victims of dog bites every year, with over 334,000 requiring emergency treatment for the injury. Many of these dog bites occur right here in Missouri and Kansas. Regrettably, the majority of these dog bite victims are children.
Why Dogs Attack Children
There are several reasons dogs seem to more frequently attack children. Interestingly, boys are much more prone to injuries from an attack than girls. Other causes are:

• Exposure to Unknown Dogs – children are frequently exposed to dogs whose behavior and temperament are unknown when children visit parks, playgrounds and even other people’s homes.
• Lack of Cautionary Judgment – Children do not have the knowledge base to determine when it is safe to approach a dog.
• Handling Inexperience – Children may not be cognizant of the “rules of play” when interacting with dogs. Dogs may perceive playfulness on the part of the child as an attack.
• Size/Age – Children between the ages of five and nine are the most frequent victims of dog bite attacks. The mere size of a child can make a tremendous difference in the injuries received from an attack.

Why Do Dogs Bite?
Although we think of dogs as “man’s best friend”, there are many reasons why dogs bite.

• Acting to protect their owner or property (being territorial)
• Protecting themselves because they are sick or injured
• Biting in surprise when disturbed from eating or sleeping
• Biting because the dog feels threatened
• Biting because the dog has been mistreated or chained up
• Biting to establish dominance over the victim

One of the most controversial questions regarding dog bite attacks today is that of particular breeds being more aggressive. It is well documented that breeds such as the pit bull and Rottweiler lead the nation in deaths due to dog attacks. In many cities, including cities in Missouri and Kansas, these and other aggressive breeds are banned or regulated because of the perceived danger to the general public. Conversely, advocates of these breeds feel the fault is with the dog owner, not the breed, and oppose such sanctions.
What Can Dog Owners Do?
Responsibility of the dog owner is the single most important factor in the protection of children from dog bites. Obeying leash laws, properly socializing dogs and training are all key factors in keeping pets and children safe.
What To Do If a Dog Bite Occurs
Should a dog bite occur, the first thing to do is to remove the victim from the danger, either by restraining the dog, or moving to a safe place. Depending on the type of injury sustained, immediate medical attention may be required. Finally, information should be collected about the incident regarding the dog, its owner and the circumstances of the attack.
If your child or a child you know has been seriously injured due to a dog bite, the experienced attorneys at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys bring decades of experience successfully fighting for children in cases resulting in significant settlements and verdicts. Let us handle all of the details while you concentrate on what is most important – your child’s recovery.
For more information or for your FREE consultation with no obligation, please contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 816-471-5111 or by clicking “Just Ask.”

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