Small Children Most Likely To Be Bitten By A Dog

Dog bites continue to be a major public health concern.  On average, dogs bite over 4.7 million people each year and, of these, 800,000  require medical attention.

A recent study shows that unsupervised children between the ages of 3 and 5 are most likely to be attacked by a dog.  Dogs that are not generally viewed as dangerous breeds are more often than not the source of the bite. The study shows that if a dog bites once, it will usually bite again.  And the second attack is often more brutal and damaging than the first one.

After a dog bites, the most important thing is for the victim to receive immediate medical attention.  If a laceration occurs to the face, a plastic surgeon should be called to render the initial care.  The wound must be thoroughly cleaned at the emergency room to reduce the chance of an infected site.

Ohio has laws that protect victims of dog bites.  An owner or custodian of a dog is absolutely responsible for any injuries and damages caused by the dog unless the victim was trespassing on the dog owner's property, teasing or tormenting the dog, or committing a criminal act on the dog owner's property.  Most homeowner insurance policies provide some liability coverage for the owners of a dog that has injured someone.