The American Humane Society estimates that 4.5 million people annually suffer dog bites, and some of these injuries require medical attention. While the young and old tend to be among the most vulnerable, knowing how to prevent and treat dog bites is essential at any age.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, dog bites comprise about 75% of all animal bites on humans each year. An attack from a dog is not only painful but potentially severe. Animal bites can spread disease and even be fatal. That is why knowing a Cincinnati lawyer specializing in dog bite injuries can be helpful.
Ohio law holds dog owners strictly liable for the injury and damages their dogs inflict. Cincinnati does not currently enforce a ban on specific breeds like Pit Bull Terriers. While any dog can be dangerous, Pit Bull mix types (i.e., a mix between bulldogs and terriers) show up in dog-bite statistics in disparate numbers for several reasons:
- Many owners of Pit Bull mix dogs tend not to socialize, train properly, or confine their dogs.
- Dogs like Pit Bull mixes have breed-specific physical characteristics, including their musculature and powerful jaws. Combined with their agitative tendencies and agility, these traits can prove dangerous.
- Pit Bull mix dogs are popular with some owners because of their aggressive or intimidating natures.
The American Veterinary Medical Association does not support breed-specific legislation (BSL) but advocates dog bite prevention approaches. Keep in mind the following strategies for preventing and responding to a dog bite:
- Teach children not to tease or taunt any dog. Always supervise young children around dogs, even if they are your own. Also, be vigilant around guard dogs or those trained to fight.
- If you come face-to-face with an aggressive dog, look away. If you have a purse or jacket, try feeding it to the dog.
- If an aggressive dog chases you, try to climb a tree or get on top of a car.
- If you suffer a dog bite or attack, immediately seek medical help. Try to take pictures of the dog and the scene of the attack, and get as much medical information on the dog as possible. Be sure to notify the Department of Health.
Any dog bite deserves serious consideration. If your injury requires medical care, consider seeking legal advice from an injury attorney in Cincinnati with experience in dog bite cases. You have rights when an injury results from a dog owner’s negligence.