Glendale Dog Bite Attorney

How to Tell When a Dog Is Ready to Attack and What You Should Do to Protect Yourself

Dog owners are expected to teach their dogs how to behave and act appropriately, especially when out in public. Those who encourage their pets to become aggressive and intimidating may place themselves in legal consequences if any injuries or damages are caused due to their negligence.

If you were bitten by a vicious dog and would like to pursue legal action against the dog owner, West Coast Trial Lawyers has experienced Glendale dog bite attorneys who have over 60 years of collective legal experience in handling personal injury cases. We have won over 5,000 cases and recovered more than $1 billion in settlements for our clients. Due to our achievements, we have been recognized as one of the top personal injury law firms in Glendale. 

Contact our 24/7 legal team today by calling (818) 839-8800  or emailing [email protected] to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at our Glendale personal injury law firm. 

Why Do Dogs Attack?

There is no exact reason why dogs attack humans. There are various scenarios that may cause a dog to attack. These include:

• Protecting its territory or another member of its pack;
• Being anxious, afraid, or threatened, and
• Being taught to behave aggressively towards others.

When a dog sees pedestrians, especially runners and bikers, they may become triggered by the movement due to its predatory instincts. Generally, dogs like to chase those who are in motion. However, it is the owner’s responsibility to make sure that they teach their dog’s how to behave appropriately when out in public. Dog owners who fail to do this may get in trouble with the law if their dog bites someone.

How to Tell When a Dog Is About to Bite

It can be difficult for dog owners to know when their dog is about to bite someone. To get an idea of what to expect when it comes to a dog showing signs of distress, here are a few things to look out for:

• Growling. Dogs may show signs of aggression when they growl or flash their teeth. They typically do this when they are uncomfortable, angry, or feel threatened. Being bitten by a dog, regardless of size, could result in a serious injury. If you notice this sign, give the dog some time and space to relax to prevent yourself from being attacked.
• Yawning. When dogs feel anxious around someone, they will avoid eye contact. They may also lick their lips and yawn. This does not mean that the dog is ready to bite, but it does show signs of the dog feeling distressed.
• Raised Fur. If a dog feels uneasy or threatened, its hair will rise up. This is a warning sign to let those surrounding it know that it is ready to attack.
• Tense Body. Having a tense body indicates that your dog is agitated. Dogs usually show constant emotion when they are in a good mood. Once their body becomes stiff, then you should start getting worried. If you notice a dog raising its ears and tail, it is a sign that they are preparing to protect themselves from you.
• Tail Wagging. When dogs wag their tails, people automatically assume that they are happy. However, under some circumstances, it could also mean that they are on the edge. To differentiate between a “happy wag” and an “angry wag,” you must pay attention to their full-body language. Take caution when you see a dog who is standing still with its tail raised up. This could mean that they are protecting themselves or getting ready to attack.

What to Do When a Dog Attacks You

Dog bites often happen unexpectedly. This can make it difficult for you to prepare beforehand. However, you still have ways of defending yourself. If you are being attacked by a dog, you should create a barrier. Check to see if you have anything on you or near you to use as a distraction. The dog could stop putting its focus on biting you and pay attention to the object you are using. You could also throw the object to get the dog to let go of you and chase after it. This would be the best opportunity for you to make your escape.

Dog bites can cause severe and fatal injuries. It is highly urged to protect your face, throat, and chest if you notice an aggressive dog coming towards you. These are typically the go-to areas for a dog to bite.

Contact Us

If you are a victim of a dog bite injury and would like to file a lawsuit against the dog owner, West Coast Trial Lawyers has Glendale dog bite attorneys that will help you get economic and non-economic damages for your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

To schedule a free consultation at our Glendale personal injury law firm, reach out to our 24/7 legal staff by calling (818) 839-8800 or emailing [email protected].