Don’t let a guest in your home be attacked by a family pet

Most dog owners can’t fathom their pet attacking a stranger, neighbor or guest in their home; much less, biting a family member or child. But the cold truth is that it does happen all too often. However, there are steps that dog owners can take to help prevent a dog bite.

As a dog owner, you are responsible for your dog’s actions. Currently, Kansas does not have a state wide leash law or Dog Bite Statute. However, most cities have ordinances controlling dogs that run at large or attack or bite another person or animal. In addition, common law liability can hold the owner accountable for an attack. Typically, if the dog is not known to be vicious and there was no reason to foresee, or predict, that the dog might injure someone, the owner is not found liable for damages. This can depend on the kind of dog. Some breeds are known to be dangerous even if the particular dog has never attacked anyone.

The following points can help prevent an attack.

When walking your dog, keep it under control at all times. Unless at a designated dog park, don’t let the dog roam free.
When left outside, make sure the dog is contained by a secure fence, chain, or is wearing an electronic restraint collar.
If you are the owner of a dangerous dog, follow guidelines such as posting signs on your property to alert people of the dog. It is also wise to have an insurance policy that covers damages should an accident occur.
Socialize your dog with both people and other dogs. Dogs that are familiar with strangers are less likely to attack. Both dog parks and doggie daycare are great opportunities for the animals to socialize.
Train your dog to establish positive behavior. Strict training teaches the dog a better sense of right and wrong.
Never leave small children alone with a dog.

Although these guidelines are not Kansas law, it is important to remember that you could be held liable for injuries if your dog were to harm someone.

If you have had a Kansas dog bite injury that was not your fault and need medical treatment, you need an experienced professional who can help you get back on the road to recovery. Call us today at 316-269-1414 or visit our contact page here. Our Kansas personal injury attorneys will provide you a free initial consultation and if we take your case you don’t pay a dime unless we recover money for you. Even then we only take a percentage of the total amount of your recovery.

If you have questions on what you should be looking for when you are making a decision to hire a Kansas personal injury lawyer, read our article located here.

Make sure you download our free car accident app for iPhone or Droid to protect yourself in event of an auto accident.

Ray Hodge & Associates proudly represents victims and their families across the state of Kansas, including Wichita, Andover, Derby, Goddard, Haysville, Mulvane, Rose Hill, Newton, El Dorado and Hutchinson. Call today for a free consultation all over the state of Kansas. We have proudly served clients in Sedgwick, Butler, Sumner, Harvey, Kingman and Reno Counties.