A loose dog displaying aggressive behavior can intimidate even the hardiest soul. Dog bites can be serious. They cause severe emotional trauma as well as pain, infection, scarring and disfigurement. These encounters are often random and there is not much time to react to the situation. If you happen to meet a ferocious dog, the following five steps can help minimize the risk of serious injury from a dog bite and may even save your life!
If you have been injured by a dog bite contact one a skilled personal injury attorney in Harrisburg today for a free legal consultation.
5 Tips on How to Avoid a Dog Attack
- Stand still and do not stare directly into the dog’s eyes. An aggressive dog may perceive a direct stare as a confrontation and attack as a result.
- Stay calm, quiet and non-threatening; the dog may decide not to attack.
- Do not scream or run away. A dog will instinctively attempt to chase prey. Instead, wait quietly for the dog to lose interest and then slowly back away.
- If a dog attacks, put anything you have—a coat, purse, umbrella, or bike—between your body and the dog’s mouth. This will give the dog something other than your body to grab onto and may distract the dog long enough so that you can get away.
- If you are knocked to the ground by an attacking dog, curl up into a ball, tuck your face into your chest, and cover your ears.
Dogs—especially loose ones—are unpredictable. Knowing how to react when attacked by a vicious dog may prevent you from being injured or at least reduce the severity of your injuries. If you have suffered a dog attack and you need legal help, contact a Harrisburg dog bite attorney at Schmidt Kramer today. Our toll-free number is (717) 888-8888 and the case consultation is free. Alternatively, you may wish to download a free copy of our book Who Pays My Injury Claim: Understanding Joint and Several Liability for more information.