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This is a terrific video from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) that includes some alarming statistics, in addition to an excellent presentation from Kelly Voigt discussing a technique to teach children how to be safe around dogs. Voigt is a dog bite victim herself, having been attacked by a neighborhood dog she had petted before when she was just 7 years old.

We are posting her video because we are currently in the middle of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which runs this year from May 20 through May 26. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dogs bite more than 4.7 million people a year, 800,000 of which require medical attention. Half of the victims are children. The CDC says that the rate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for kids aged 5 to 9 years, and the injury rates in children are “significantly higher for boys than girls.”

The “W.A.I.T.” acronym used by Voigt in the video is certainly a good strategy to teach kids (Wait to make sure dog is friendly, Ask owner for permission, Invite dog to sniff you, Touch dog gently on back). We cannot stress enough to parents not to leave younger children alone with any dog. Severe dog bites are frightening and overwhelming experiences, and victims should not hesitate to contact an Orlando dog bite attorney to conduct an investigation, assist you in filing a claim and dealing with the dog owner’s insurance company. It is important to remember that you only have a limited time to file a claim, and quick action is needed before the medical bills begin accumulating.

Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A. – Orlando personal injury lawyers

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