A 7-year-old girl was airlifted from the Cape Cod Airfield in Marstons Mills to the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after she suffered facial injuries from a dog attack. The victim was reportedly bitten in the face and was transferred to the hospital by MedFlight helicopters with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to investigators, the dog belongs to a family member of the victim. The incident is the third serious dog bite attack to occur in cape Cod in less than a week, as a young girl was bitten in the face in Brewster and a delivery driver was attacked by three dogs in Dennis.
Why Are Children at High Risk of Being Injured by Dog Bites?
More than 37% of all U.S. households own dogs, which adds up to more than 70 million dogs in the country. While dogs are favorite family pets, they can also be unpredictable at times and lash out, even if they are usually friendly. Of the 5 million people who are bitten by dogs each year, more than half are children.
The reason why children are more likely to be bitten by dogs than adults is because, due to their young age, they’re learning how to act around animals and may not yet understand when a dog is upset or threatened. Children are also more likely to take risks and reach to pet or hold onto dogs when their parents aren’t supervising them.
Common injuries associated with dog bites that require medical attention include:
- Abrasions, including grazes and scrapes
- Lacerations and punctures
- Infections (10 to 15% of dog bites lead to infections)
- Rabies
- Scarring
- Nerve damage
- Death
Why Dogs Bite
Even dogs with the sunniest dispositions can bite under certain circumstances, and not all dog bites occur out of aggression.
Common reasons why dogs bite include:
- The dog has been startled or scared, including when humans jump out to surprise them or get too close for their own comfort
- The dog feels threatened or perceives the human as an enemy
- The dog is protecting something they value, like their toys or food
- The dog isn’t feeling well and wants to be left alone with their injuries or illnesses
To prevent dog bites from occurring, both dog owners and parents can contribute to safety. Dog owners can socialize their dogs so they feel more at ease in various situations involving humans, and parents can teach their children how to approach a dog and what signs of aggression to look out for.
Protecting Your Loved Ones After a Traumatic Accident
At Bertram & Graf, L.L.C., we strive to provide our clients with compassion and a safe space after a traumatic accident has left them in pain. Through our free consultation and every meeting afterwards, we are available to listen to our clients’ stories and concerns, because we understand this may be an overwhelming time – physically, mentally, and financially. We can hold negligent dog owners responsible after an attack and secure the compensation you need to pay for damages, including medical bills. Dog bites often require hospital stays, reconstructive surgery – sometimes multiple – and prescription medications for pain management. When you hire our team, you can rest assured knowing you’re in capable hands.
For strong legal advocacy in your personal injury case, call our attorneys at (888) 398-2277, or contact us online for a free consultation. Along with handling dog bite cases, we’ve also helped countless clients recover after a car accident or an instance of medical malpractice.