Coral Springs Dog Bite Lawyer Says Keep Your Kids Safe From Dogs

 Dog bite cases really hit home, especially when a cherished pet dog bites a child. According to the Centers for Disease and Control, 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. And, of that, one in five dog bites results in injuries that require medical attention. Unfortunately, children ages 5 to 9 years rate highest for dog bite related injuries.

As a Coral Springs personal injury lawyer, I have had my share of unfortunate dog bite cases. In almost every case, it was the first time that the dog bit a person. In almost every single case, the dog owner was surprised that the dog bit a human being because it had no aggressive history and had never bitten anyone else in the past.

This topic is especially personal to me because I am a father who is very protective of my children. Most parents don't know the dangers associated with dogs. Unfortunately, I see it all the time. Many times, when families are walking in the neighborhood or at a park, parents permit their kids to walk up to dogs and pet them. I don't allow that because I know first hand what a first bite can do. I have witnessed injuries that still resonate in my mind.

I am asking that all moms and dads in South Florida be extremely cautious with your children around dogs. Even if the dog's owner tells you that his/her dog is great with kids and has never bitten anyone before, do not let your children pet dogs that they do not know.

The Centers for Disease and Control has offered safety tips specifically geared towards parents and children to prevent them from being bitten by dogs. Please share them with your kids. They are as follows:

• Do not approach an unfamiliar dog
• Do not run from a dog or scream
• Remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog
• If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still
• Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult
• Immediately report stray dogs or dogs displaying unusual behavior
• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog
• Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies
• Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first
• If bitten, immediately report the bite to the police and/or animal control