Dog Bites While Walking or Jogging: What to Do if You’re Attacked in Public
Getting bitten by a dog can be a terrifying experience, especially if the attack happens unexpectedly while you’re out walking or jogging. Dog bites can cause serious injuries and emotional distress. Knowing how to protect yourself and what steps to take if you are attacked by a dog in public can help minimize harm.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
The best defense is being aware of your surroundings at all times when out in public. Watch for loose dogs that may be roaming, take note of houses with unfenced yards where dogs could potentially run out, and cross the street to avoid approaching loose dogs. Don’t wear headphones while walking or jogging, as they block out sounds around you.
Why Are Expert Witnesses So Important?
Expert witness testimony serves several critical purposes in wrongful death litigation:
Proving Causation
The plaintiff must show that the defendant’s negligent or wrongful actions directly caused the death of their loved one. Medical experts can analyze injuries and the cause of death to draw conclusions about what led to the fatality. Accident reconstructionists can use physical evidence to explain how the defendant’s reckless driving, defective product, or other misconduct resulted in the death. This causation evidence is vital.
Carry Protection
Carrying protection while walking or jogging gives you a way to fend off a dog if attacked. Pepper spray designed for use on dogs can stop an attack in progress. Sturdy walking sticks can be used to keep space between you and an approaching dog. If it is legal in your area, you may want to consider carrying a stun gun designed for personal protection.
Stay Calm and Don’t Run
If you are approached or chased by an aggressive dog, running away can actually trigger the dog’s prey drive and encourage an attack. Stand still with your arms at your sides. Avoid direct eye contact with the dog, as this can be perceived as threatening. Speak calmly and firmly to the dog, saying “no” or “go home”. Back away slowly once the dog loses interest. Yelling or sudden movements can provoke an attack.
Protect Yourself if Attacked
If a dog does attack, quickly cover your neck and face with your arms and hands. Curl up in a ball on the ground and use your knees and elbows to shield vulnerable areas. Keep your backpack or any objects you are holding between yourself and the dog. Do not try to pull away, as this can provoke shaking and further injury. Remain as still and quiet as possible until the attack ends.
Get Seen by a Medical Professional
Dog bite wounds can become infected easily. Seek medical attention after any dog bite, even if it was just a nip and didn’t break the skin. Make sure to clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Contact your doctor to determine if you’ll need antibiotics or rabies post-exposure shots. Puncture wounds and any injuries to the face, head, neck, hands or genitals warrant urgent medical care.
Report the Incident
Report a public dog attack to 911 immediately. Provide a description of the dog and the owner if known. This report creates a record of the attack and animal control can locate the dog to check for rabies. You’ll also want documentation for any potential legal action.
If the owner is present, get their contact details and ask if the dog’s rabies vaccine is up to date. Take pictures of the dog if possible, to aid in identifying it. Get contact info for any witnesses to the attack.
Consider Taking Legal Action
The dog owner can be held liable if their dog bites someone, especially if the dog has displayed aggressive behavior before. Consult with a personal injury attorney to explore your options. In Georgia and South Carolina, you typically have two years to file a dog bite lawsuit after the incident.
Compensation can include medical bills, lost wages from missed work, pain and suffering damages, and costs like counseling if the attack caused emotional trauma. If the bite left scarring or disfigurement, you can also seek compensation for this.
An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company, request evidence like veterinary records, and take the case to court if needed to help maximize your settlement amount. Many personal injury firms offer free consultations, so you can discuss your situation and options at no cost.
Prevent Future Attacks
Consider carrying pepper spray or avoiding the area where you were attacked to stay safe on future walks and runs. Alert others about an aggressive dog roaming the area.
Home and business owners can be held responsible if their dog gets loose and bites. Write down the address where the attack happened and file a report with animal control. Providing documentation could motivate the owner to take precautionary measures, like reinforcing fencing, muzzle-training their dog, and keeping it leashed or confined when outside.
Getting bitten by an unfamiliar dog in public can be a scary and potentially dangerous situation. Staying alert, protecting yourself if attacked, seeking prompt medical attention, and reporting the incident can help mitigate harm. Speaking with a personal injury attorney can advise you on steps to take and compensation you may be entitled to if injured.
Know the Laws in Your State
Laws pertaining to dog bites and owner liability vary somewhat from state to state. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand the specific laws and legal options in Georgia and South Carolina.
Some key things to note:
- Both states adhere to the “one bite rule” – owners are only liable if they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous. But prior aggression like growling or chasing can meet this standard.
- In Georgia, victims have two years to file a dog bite lawsuit. Comparative negligence may reduce compensation if the victim was partially at fault.
- South Carolina is a “strict liability” state for dog bites. Owners are liable regardless of whether they knew their dog was dangerous. Lawsuits must be filed within three years.
Seek Support to Cope with Trauma
Being attacked by a dog can lead to lasting psychological effects like anxiety, stress, and fear of dogs. Talk to your doctor about getting a referral to work with a therapist who specializes in treating trauma and PTSD. They can help you process the attack and overcome anxiety about going out in public.
Consider joining a support group to connect with other dog bite victims. Shared experiences and advice from those who’ve been through it can aid the healing process. A dog bite survivor support group may meet in your local area or online.
Don’t let trauma hold you back from activities like walking and exercising outdoors. Over time and with professional help, most dog bite victims can move past fear and enjoy normal routines again.
At The Brown Firm, our dog bite attorneys offer free case evaluations. If you were attacked by a dog while out walking or jogging in Georgia or South Carolina, contact us today to discuss your legal options. Our experienced team is here to help victims recover damages and hold negligent dog owners accountable after a bite injury.
Visit one of our offices at:
- 7176 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31405
- 320 East Clayton Street, Athens, GA 30601
- 197 14th St. NW, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30318
- 110 Traders Cross #226, Okatie, SC 29909
Or call now for a free consultation on (800) 529-1441.
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