National Dog Bite Prevention Week is May 19-25, and the latest data on Tennessee dog bite accidents puts the state 19th on the list of U.S. states with the most dog bite claims. According to data compiled by State Farm Insurance, the number of dog bites in the state of Tennessee actually dropped from 78 in 2011 to 66 in 2012. Despite these decrease, dog bites remain a major cause of serious injury and death in TN and throughout the United States. If you have been injured in a dog bite accident in Tennessee, or if you lost a loved one in a fatal attack, consult our reputable attorneys at Michael D. Ponce & Associates today. Our legal team has years of experience protecting the rights of TN dog bite victims and their families, and will work diligently to help you pursue the financial compensation you deserve for your losses.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the U.S. dog population was approximately 70 million at the end of 2011 – less than the roughly 72 million in 2006 – yet the number of dog bite accidents reported nationwide has not dropped. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bite injuries every year, and half of these injury victims are children. In fact, from 2001 to 2011, dog bites were found to be the ninth leading cause of nonfatal unintentional injury to children ages five to nine, and tenth for children ages 10 to 14, according to a report from Prevent the Bite, a nonprofit organization dedicated to dog bite prevention.
In an effort to reduce the incidence of devastating dog attacks in Tennessee and across the country, the National Dog Bite Prevention Week Coalition is working to reinforce the importance of responsibility among dog owners and the need for continued public education about dog bite prevention. The following are some important safety tips for dog owners:
Although there are some dog breeds that are considered dangerous, virtually any dog can inflict serious injuries in a dog bite accident. A dog’s tendency to bite depends on a number of factors, including health, socialization, obedience training and heredity. If you have suffered serious dog bite injuries in Nashville, or elsewhere in Tennessee, contact our qualified lawyers at Michael D. Ponce & Associates to discuss your legal options. You may have grounds to file a dog bite claim against the dog owner, in order to pursue financial compensation for your injuries and medical expenses. In addition to physical harm, serious dog bite injuries can put a significant financial burden on a victim and his or her family as a result of costly medical bills. Don’t hesitate to protect your legal rights in the event of a dog attack; contact our law firm today.
Source: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/56916-state-farm-usps-avma-national-dog-bite-prevention-week