Alaska Auto Accidents Lawyers

Alaska Personal Injury Lawyers, Fighting for Sufferers of Dog Bites

Alaskans love their dogs, and anyone who spends any time here understands that for many dogs are more than just pets and companions – they provide valuable work and contributions to the lives of local residents.  Unfortunately, owning and caring for dogs does not come without risk and potential liability, as owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs in many situations.  One of the manners in which potential liability can arise is in the form of dog bites.  If you or someone you love has been injured in this manner, you need to seek the help of Alaska personal injury attorneys as soon as possible.  In the meantime, below is a brief introduction to this troubling issue.

Dog Bite Statistics

Unfortunately, the statistics regarding dog bites are daunting.  Almost 5 million people every year are bitten by dogs in the United States, and approximately 1,000 people every day are injured badly enough by a dog bite that they must visit the local emergency room.  In addition, another 500,000 dog bites require other forms of medical attention, and dozens of people are killed every year in these attacks.  In addition, the age group with the highest number of incidents regarding dog bites is boys between the ages of 5 and 9.

Common Injuries Resulting from Alaska Dog Bites

Dogs are driven by instinct, and when they attack a person they attack much as they would any threat they would encounter in the wild.  Therefore, they attack with their teeth and generally attempt to attack a person’s face and neck.  These are the most vulnerable areas from a dog’s perspective, and deep facial lacerations and even disfigurements are a common result of these attacks.

Additionally, people will react instinctively when they sense an imminent dog attack, even if a person is a child.  The most common instinctive response is to shield the head and face with the hands and arms, and serious injuries to the limbs are also a common injury that results from these situations.

Liability for a Dog Bite Attack in Alaska

As stated above, dog owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs in most situations.  Therefore, if a person is rightfully on the dog owner's property and is attacked, the owner can be liable for the injuries incurred.  The same would generally hold true if someone is attacked in a public place or if the dog is loose.

The bottom line is that those who have been harmed in this manner have legal rights that need to be enforced.  If you or someone you love has suffered because of a dog bite, you need to seek the help of Alaska personal injury lawyers who have been defending the rights of the injured for many years.  Contact Barber & Banker today to schedule a free initial consultation.