Kirk Bernard's 7 Tips to Prevent and Survive a Dog Attack

In the United States alone, nearly 5 million people are attacked by dogs every year. About 1,000 dog bite victims go to hospital emergency rooms every day. Many of them are children, but adults are also very often victims of brutal dog attacks. In Washington State, it is the responsibility of a dog owner to keep his or her pet restrained and make sure that it doesn't pose a threat to neighbors. However, as a Washington personal injury attorney, Kirk Bernard knows some simple steps you can take to prevent a, Dog Tip, dog attack or prevent being injured as a result of a dog attack: Avoid smiling at a dog - You may think you are being friendly, but a dog may see you baring your teeth as an, Dog Tip, invitation for a fight.



Do not taunt, tease or provoke a dog in any way - Stay away from dogs that are chained for extended periods of time because they are more likely to be aggressive. Don't get misled by breeds - Don't let your guard down because of the size or breed of dog. Observe a dog's body language - If the animal approaches you with its head held high or low, it is probably not going to attack. If a dog holds its head level, it means business. A loping gait, for example, suggests that a dog is playful. On the other hand, an even steady run is something you should, Dog Tip, watch out for.



Remain calm - If you panic, it might encourage the dog to attack you. Instead take control of the situation. An order such as "sit" or "go home" may buy you some time to back away and escape. Never run. If you do so, an aggressive dog will chase you and very likely outrun you. Do not appear threatening to a dog - Instead hold your position and wait for the dog to make its move. If there is no way to avoid a physical attack curl into a fetal position and use your arms and legs to protect your face and neck.



Do not scream. Do not hit a dog on the head because they generally have thick skulls - You won't be able to hurt them, but you may end up angering them some more. If you do get bitten, get immediate medical attention. Contact the dog's owner and your local animal control authorities, Dog Tip, . If you are a dog bite victim in Washington State, you should definitely get in touch with an experienced Seattle personal, Dog Tip, injury lawyer to make sure your legal rights are protected. Please contact The Bernard Law Group at 1-800-418-8282 or info@bernardlawgroup.

Seattle personal injury attorney, Kirk Bernard of The Bernard Law Group, has worked to protect the rights of injury and accident victims for more than 20 years as a civil litigator. Inspired by his father, Saul Bernard, who tried hundreds of cases beginning in the 1930s, Kirk Bernard works to maintain the family-rooted objective of making a difference to those who have been wronged by another.

In the extensive period that Kirk Bernard has been litigating injury cases, he has acquired invaluable legal knowledge to assist injury victims and their families in obtaining just compensation for the physical harm and emotional suffering that has befallen upon them at no fault of their own.

In acquiring millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients, Kirk Bernard's dedication has helped Washington accident victims in receiving the monetary funds that they need to help pay for expenses associated with their injuries brought on by another individual's negligence. In addition to being a skilled Seattle personal injury attorney, Kirk Bernard is also a member of ATLA, the Consumer Attorney's Association, and an eagle member of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.