Dog attack cases are much more frequent than most people think. The personal injury attorneys at Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman, P.C. represent people who have been injured by a dog attack and families who have lost a loved one (including children) in a dog attack.

Not Always “Man’s Best Friend”
There are about 75 million dogs kept in the U.S. as pets, watchdogs, and companions. There are also feral, or wild, dogs in many parts of the country. Although dogs are highly regarded as “man’s best friend,” dog attacks are not uncommon. Some dogs attack because they have been trained to do so, whereas others attack due to fear, illness, provocation, or for an unknown reason.

Hundreds of Thousands of Dog Attacks
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year dogs attack (bite or maul) over 4.7 million people in the U.S. Some 800,000 of these dog attacks result in a visit to an emergency room. Half of these ER visits are parents bringing in a child who has been bitten by a dog, most often kids aged 5 to 9 years old. About three-quarters of the time, the attack is by a dog that belongs to the family or a friend.

Severe Injuries, Fatalities from Dog Attacks
The annual rate of fatalities due to a dog attack has been rising in recent years. At one time, the rate was about 12 to 15 deaths per year; in 2007, more than 30 people died from a dog attack. Dog bite injuries and fatalities often result in:

• Medical bills
• Disability and/or disfigurement
• Rehabilitation costs
• Lost work time and wages
• Funeral, burial costs
• Loss of a loved one
• Pain and suffering

Contact an Attorney
If you or your child suffered a dog attack, it’s best to consult an attorney with a high degree of knowledge about law and its application in dog bite cases. The New York City personal injury attorneys at Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman are happy to tell you about your legal rights and options; contact our offices to arrange an appointment today.