West Haven Dog Bite Injury To Child Is A Good Reminder About Safety

With kids out of school for a long hot summer it is important to remember that they are more susceptible to injuries of all types.  Take for instance a boy in West Haven who recently had to be transported to the hospital for injuries he sustained after experiencing a dog bite accident.  If the boy was aware of some simple safety measures to take when interacting with dogs, especially in this heat, he may have been not injured at all.  

Generally speaking dogs do not mean to cause harm to humans, but during months where the heat is unbearable for humans it is making dogs even more agitated as they heat up.  When dogs get agitated they tend to act in a way that they otherwise might normally not act and this may cause them to lash out.  So, what can you do to avoid having an incident with a pup?

• Stay away from dogs that are strangers to you.  It can be tempting to go up and pet a cute dog while out on a walk, but the dog will not recognize you and therefore may become stressed and agitated.
• If a dog is growling, stay away.  Even a dog who is familiar with you may be in a situation where he does not want to be touched and if you do touch him, he may react in a negative way to the attention.
• Keep dogs separated.  If you’re out walking your dog, make sure you keep her away from other dogs who are out walking.  Dogs can become volatile around other dogs which may cause a situation that is difficult to manage.  This could lead to inadvertent injuries of the humans involved.
• Never approach a dog from behind.  If the dog cannot see you coming he may lash out in a way that is dangerous.  Make sure a dog can clearly see you coming before you approach for any reason.

The heat is an agitating factor for all of us, but it can be especially difficult for our K9 friends.  Staying safe and avoiding a Connecticut dog bite injury just takes some common sense and a little bit of caution, especially when dealing with dogs that are strangers to you.  If you are out and see a dog that is a stranger keep your distance and everyone involved will be safe.

If you or a loved one were injured by a dog and think you may need representation to protect your long-term interests, contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your case.