Suffering injuries in any type of accident can be a considerable setback. A number of situations could result in your suffering harm, and in the event that someone else holds liability for the incident, you may have legal grounds to file a personal injury claim. A successful claim could potentially allow you to obtain compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
One event that you may hope to never find yourself in is a dog attack. Unfortunately, even the most seemingly docile animal could pose a considerable threat to you and others if it feels threatened. Therefore, you may want to remain on the lookout for potential warning signs of fear, anxiety and aggression in dogs.
Signs of aggression
If you come upon a dog or one begins to approach you, you may feel a sense of wariness. Though many dogs who approach may have a friendly demeanor, you may want to look for the following indicators of aggression:
- Raised fur on the dog’s back
- Tail straight up
- Stiff stance
- Growling
- Bared teeth
- Barking
If a dog exhibits any of these signs, you should do your best to avoid the animal. However, avoid running away as the dog will likely give chase.
Signs of anxiety and fear
Scared and anxious dogs can pose just as big of a threat as an openly aggressive dog. Often, animals who feel threatened will bite, scratch or make other aggressive actions in efforts to protect themselves. A dog near you may feel frightened or anxious if it shows the following signs:
- Shrinking to the ground
- Yawning
- Repeated licking
- Tail tucked between its legs
- Showing its belly
- Growling
Though you may think that a scared dog needs comforting, approaching or trying to touch the animal could result in its feeling the need to protect itself. As a result, it could bite or otherwise attack.
Seeking compensation
In the event that you or a loved one — especially a child — does suffer serious injuries in a dog attack, you may want to look into filing a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner or other liable party. This process could prove complicated, and if you do not have the proper legal knowledge, you may not know where to begin. Luckily, you could utilize local Ohio legal resources to gather reliable information on your legal options.