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The real cost of dog bite injuries

On Behalf of | May 18, 2022 | Dog Bites

You may hear a news report about someone who was bitten or attacked by a dog from time to time. Unfortunately, these stories aren’t as newsworthy or prevalent as car accidents and other personal injuries, so you may not be familiar with how serious they can be. 

However, each year, dog-related injuries result in costs of almost $900 million in the U.S. In Ohio alone, the value of dog-related claims was $30.4 million in 2020, making the state eighth when it comes to dog-bite insurance claims. 

Potential injuries and consequences of dog-related incidents

Dog bites are often much worse than just minor bleeding and bruising. Some of the more serious consequences of dog bites include:

  • Infections
  • Permanent damage to tendons and muscles
  • Broken bones
  • Loss of function or mobility
  • Nerve damage
  • Amputation
  • Disfigurement
  • Rabies

Sometimes, the injuries caused by a dog bite can have long-term, life-changing consequences. 

Protecting yourself from dog-related injuries

Do you know the signs of an aggressive dog or one about to attack? Part of protecting yourself is recognizing the signs of this. It’s also important to tell your children that not all dogs are friendly, so they should never rush to interact with a dog they don’t know. 

Some of the signs a dog isn’t friendly and could be aggressive include:

  • Tail tucked between the legs
  • Lowered ears
  • Snarling or growling
  • Aggressive stance or barking
  • Baring teeth

Protecting your rights after a dog bite incident

If you are attacked or bitten by a dog, it may be possible to hold the owner responsible for your injuries. Just remember the information above to avoid these incidents when possible. The potential consequences of a dog bite simply aren’t worth the risk of petting a dog you don’t know. 

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