Dogs are generally friendly pets to keep around. They’re playful, fun, and make great company. In some situations, though, dogs can be uncontrollable. When someone’s dog is untrained or impulsive, it can cause others injury or worse. According to statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, well over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States annually, 800,000 of which seek medical attention. While many of the bites result in small injuries, others result in major injuries that could require reconstructive surgery. Worst of all, some attacks can become fatal.
Despite and training and care a dog may receive, they are largely unpredictable creatures and a fatal attack can occur at any time. Dog attacks happen quickly and can leave a victim scrambling to get medical attention. Rarely does a dog attack kill instantly, but when the damage done is severe, time is of the essence. Factors that can make an attack fatal are:
· Where the bite occurred
· How much blood was lost
· If an infection has been contracted
· Thoroughness of the bite: ripping, tearing, etc
Children and the elderly are often the prime victims in situations like these, as they are smaller and easier to overwhelm. While the dog could be unpredictable, it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the dog is kept away from others, especially in cases where the dog is outside frequently. Nobody should have to lose a loved one due to the negligence of a dog’s owner.
If you or someone you know has lost a loved in New Jersey as a result of a fatal dog attack, you need to contact a wrongful death attorney who can help. The experienced NJ personal injury attorneys at Andres, Berger & Tran will help you explore your legal options. Contact us anytime for a consultation about your case.