In 2020, when the majority of people were staying at home, there was a record increase in dog adoptions and online shopping. Normally, these two event would seem unrelated, however a significant increase in the number of mail deliveries across the country last year led to a significant increase in the number of dog bite attacks recorded across the country in 2020. The US Postal Service recently released a statement which defined the most dangerous states for postal workers last year as well as the cities that recorded the highest number of dog bites involving mail carriers.
Fortunately, Georgia does not figure in the list of states with the highest number of recorded attacks against mail carriers in 2020. No Georgia city featured in the list of cities that saw the highest number of attacks involving postal workers. For purposes of the list, the Postal Service considered any dog bite-related injury to the mail worker, or any incident resulting in a complaint to a supervisor.
Mail workers are some of the most frequent victims of dog bites in the metro Atlanta region. With summer here, it’s time not just for families but also dog owners to be mindful of the increased risk of dog bites. Most Americans last year relied on online deliveries of their basic needs, and online shopping rates soared, leading to increased exposure of all mail carriers to dog bites. Long periods of being locked up at home without exercise and walks also led to an increase in canine aggression levels. Exercise is crucial in maintaining canine health and dog experts believe that lack of exercise led to an increase in dog bites last year, especially those involving children.
If you are a dog owner, make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise and play every day to remain healthy. If you have recently got yourself a dog, invest in socialization of the animal. Lack of socialization is a significant factor in a large number of bite attacks that Atlanta dog bite attorneys see every year. An animal that is not socialized is likely to feel jumpy, fearful or irritable around human beings, especially around little children who seem more vulnerable or easier to attack. Make sure that your animal is on a leash when outside.
Most dog bite attacks in the Atlanta region every year involve children. Make sure that your child knows the proper ways of handling a dog safely and responsibly. Children must never be allowed to pet a strange dog or to disturb a dog that is sleeping or eating. Teach your child never to reach for a dog through a fence, or to pet strange dogs in the park, even those that are with their owners. Dog bite attacks can lead to serious injuries and can include complications such as nerve damage and permanent scarring.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog bite attack on another person’s property, talk to an Atlanta premises liability attorney at the Katz Personal Injury Lawyers, and discuss whether you have legal options for a claim for compensation. A dog owner may be responsible for the behavior of his animal. He may be responsible for any losses arising out of any attacks or bites involving his pet. Talk to a lawyer to learn your rights. Initial consultations are free.