Spring and Summer are the Peak Seasons for Dog Bites

 The weather has warmed up in New York City and it is the season of picnics in the park, days at the beach and outdoor gatherings with family and friends. However, a little-known fact is that summer is also the season for dog attacks. According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, of the 4,611 dog bites reported in 2013, more than half occurred during the summer months with a significant rise in August.

Why Summer Spells Danger
Spring and summer months tend to be particularly dangerous when it comes to dog attacks because this is the time most New York residents spend outdoors. Children like to play outside during the summer months. And we know that children tend to get bitten by dogs more than adults. About 4.7 million dog bites occur every year and more than half of these involve children under 12.
Children are three times more likely than adults to get bitten by dogs. Infants and toddlers especially are even more at risk because they are closer to the eye level of a dog. Also, during the spring and summer months, dogs tend to be off-leash playing and running. Children also tend to have more unsupervised playtime around dogs, which increases the risk of an attack.
Danger Signs for Dog Owners
If your dog attacks someone, remember, you may be held liable for the injuries and damages caused. As a dog owner, learn to read the signs of a dog that is about to act up. If you get the sense that your dog is uncomfortable, create some space for him or her. Provide plenty of socialization and exercise time for your dog by hitting the dog park, playing, etc. This is a good way for fend off any behavior problems. Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day to prevent your dog from getting irritable.
What to Do after a Dog Bite
If a dog has bitten you or a family member, it would be in your best interest to track down the dog and its owner. Do get emergency medical treatment and prompt care for your bite wounds and other injuries. Obtain contact information for anyone who may have witnessed the attack. Preserve any type of physical evidence you may have such as broken personal items or torn or bloody clothing. Do contact an experienced New York dog bite lawyer who will help protect your rights and help you secure maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Our law firm recovered $750,000 for a girl who was bitten by a dog, which was the most money recovered in New York State in 2010 for a dog bite. In 2014 we also recovered $200,000 for another victim of a dog bite, by trying the case to verdict.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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