Recent Posts in Dog Bites Category

Dog bites account for over 368,000 emergency room visits per year - that is approximately 1,000 per day. More than 4.7 million people are bitten yearly.  Dog bites are the fifth most frequent type of emergency room visits for children.

There are 10 good guidelines provided by the CDC. (Health New Digest) to follow in order to decrease your probability of being bitten by an unfamiliar dog and sustaining serious injuries:

• Never approach a dog whether leased or unleashed. Overcome the urge to pet a dog just because it is near.
• Teach children not to run at a strange dog or scream and wave arms wildly around a loose dog
• Ask the owner if a dog is friendly before attempting to pet a leashed dog
• Avoid staring directly into a dog's eyes, they frequently see this as threatening
• Always allow a dog to sniff and see you before petting them. As well, keep the exchange short
• Never leave children alone around a dog even if you think you know the dog
• Dogs are like toys, they should not be climbed on or cuddled if you don't know them and think about it twice if you do know them
• If a dog is approaching you, do not run away as this may trigger their prey instinct. Stand straight up with your arms folded. Turn slightly to the side and do not look the dog in the eye. Even if the dog is barking and jumping, they usually become disinterested in anything that is not moving
• If a dog knocks you down, roll into a ball and try to be still. Cover your head with your arms. Avoid screaming or rolling as some dogs see this as playfulness.
• Never approach a dog that is eating or playing with something or attempt to take the object away from the dog.

While these tips may decrease your probability of being bitten by a dog, it sometimes still occurs. Actually, dog bites are increasing in numbers partly due to lack of obedience training by owners.  If you have been injured in an animal attack and need compensation for medical bills, lost wages, etc., call us at the Cagle Law firm today.  Our premier St. Louis personal injury attorneys will speak with you personally in a free consultation, answering any and all questions you may have about your claim.

To schedule a consultation to discuss your claim, please contact the firm today at (800) 716-2621

Among the string of recent news articles about pit bull attacks and vicious dog bans comes yet another suit involving injuries sustained from a pit bull bite.

A St. Clair County woman, Karie Darnell, filed suit last week against an East Carondelet couple claiming severe and permanent injuries to her hand and wrist after their pit bull-terrier bit her in an unprovoked attack in June 2007. 

At the time, she was visiting Debra and A.J. Mikel at their home when their dog Rocky attacked, biting her left hand and wrist.  As a result, Darnell incurred medical costs exceeding $10,000 and lost wages of more than $2000 during her recovery. 

In her suit, Darnell alleges that the Mikels' knew of Rocky's propensity to bite as he had a vicious and aggressive past.  Not only did they fail to warn her of his dangerous tendencies, but they made no effort to control him when guests entered the house.

Darnell seeks a judgment in excess of $50,000.

If you have been injured in an animal attack and need compensation for medical bills, lost wages, etc., call us at Page Cagle today.  Our premier St. Louis personal injury attorneys will speak with you personally in a free consultation, answering any and all questions you may have about your claim.

In 2004, when Richard Neal went over to the Johnson's home to watch a movie, he had no idea what was waiting for him.  Upon entering the house, the family's American bulldog attacked, going straight for his face.  Neal's injuries called for 128 sutures and resulted in permanent damage to his face. 

This month, the bulldog- ironically named Prince Charming- attacked another boy as he rode his bike in front of the Johnson home.  According to 10-year-old Jonathon Martinez, the dog bit his arm and prepared to attack again before he escaped and rode home. The unprovoked attack has become the second and final strike for the county's Animal Services who say the dog will most likely be euthanized.

When the incident initially happened, Lisa Johnson went straight to Martinez's home and apologized saying that her dog had never done anything like that before.  It wasn't until after she left that Edwin Martinez learned what happened years ago to Richard Neal.  He immediately called animal control because, fearing the dog would hurt another child.

A spokeswoman for Hillsborough County Animal Services states that the department is pushing for permanent removal of the dog from the Johnson's.  Lisa Johnson was arrested and charged with culpable negligence and reckless disregard of a dog's propensity to bite.

It is the responsibility of every pet owner to take the necessary precautions to prevent an animal attack.  Therefore, if the pet does bite and injure someone, its owner is held responsible and may be required to pay for medical bills.  If you have been injured by someone's pet, call Page Cagle today!  Our legal team is available 24/7 for a free consultation.

Former Missouri State Representative Mark Wright issued an official statement this week that he plans to euthanize his family's black Labrador, Charlie, after the dog attacked a 14-year-old boy last week.

When the incident occurred, Wright's three children were leaving for school when Charlie ran out of the house.  Although the oldest child ran after the dog, he was too late as Charlie had already jumped on and bit an eighth grader on the face and arm.  The boy was immediately taken to the hospital where he needed five stitches.

As of right now, the reason for Charlie's behavior is unknown.  Springfield Police Lt. Kirk Manlove stated that the student did not provoke Charlie, but there were some witnesses who claimed a different group of students taunted the dog in recent days.  Charlie was taken to Springfield Animal Shelter for a 10-day observation.

In response to neighborhood complaints over the attack, the Wrights announced that, "to make certain there is never a reoccurrence of this regrettable incident we have made the decision that our family dog Charlie will be euthanized, which has made this unfortunate accident even more difficult for our family to bear." 

So far, the family of the 14-year-old boy has not filed legal action against the Wrights as the family already agreed to take care of any medical expenses. 

As a pet owner, people have the responsibility to ensure that their animal is safe to be around other people, especially children.  Sadly, domestic animal attacks do happen, costing over $1 billion each year in injuries.  If you or a loved one has been attacked or bitten by someone's pet, it is important to contact an experienced Animal Attack Attorney.  At Page Cagle, we know that bite injuries can lead to expensive medical procedures, lost wages, and more.  Contact us today, and we can guide you through the steps necessary to document your injuries.