Do Dog Bites Increase During the Summer in LA?

As the sun shines brighter than ever and temperatures rise, more Los Angeles residents want to get outside. During the summer heat, Los Angeles residents enjoy riding their bikes, visiting local parks, walking their dogs, and more. Although it is a fun and enjoyable season for most, there are also some risks associated with California summers. One of these risks, unfortunately, is an increase in dog bites and attacks. 

When dogs bite, it can be extremely painful and traumatic for the victim who’s been attacked. Additionally, dog bites can cause serious injuries or infections that often require medicine, stitches, or even surgical procedures. If you’ve been attacked by a dog, call our team of trusted dog bite attorneys in Los Angeles at The Barnes Firm at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE consultation.  

Why Dog Bites Increase with Warmer Weather

Over 4 million Americans are attacked by dogs every year, with many attacks occurring during the summer months. While most attacks are minor incidents, around 800,000 of these victims require medical attention from these attacks. Attacks requiring medical attention are typically bite scenarios or mauling incidents.

In 2022, California experienced the most dog bites and attacks by a substantial margin, with 1,954 claims, totaling 11% of all claims in the United States for that year. This jarring statistic demonstrates that Los Angeles residents must be alert and aware of dogs, both strays and pets. Like any animal, all dogs are unpredictable, even if they’ve been trained. In general, it’s best to keep your guard up around any unfamiliar dogs.

How Can I Be Cautious of Aggressive Dogs?

Although not always the case, there are usually some telltale signs of an aggressive dog. These signs may include: 

• Hard stares 
• Growling 
• Raised hair 
• Barking 
• Lunging  
• Pulling aggressively 
• Charging 

It is worth noting that stray dogs are more likely to attack you than pets. Strays often lack regular socialization, may carry disease, and likely have no training. Thus, they are more unpredictable and likely to bite you out of fear or self-defense. If you see a stray dog in Los Angeles, it’s wise to avoid it and contact local animal control to report the stray.

Who is Most Likely to be Bitten by a Dog?

There are certain individuals who are more likely to be attacked by dogs. The most likely people to experience a dog attack are: 

Children. Kids aged five to nine have the highest likelihood of being attacked or bitten by dogs. They are also the most likely to suffer a fatal attack. This may be attributed to children’s small stature, lack of self-defense, and lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of how to properly interact with dogs.

Postal workers. Postal workers and delivery drivers are likely to be attacked or bitten by dogs. In 2022 alone, over 5,000 postal workers in the United States were attacked by dogs. Dogs, being territorial creatures by nature, may view delivery personnel as intruders on their territory, prompting them to attack.

Men. According to the National Library of Medicine, men are 8.6% more likely to be attacked by a dog than women. This is generally attributed to the idea that certain masculine features, like a deeper voice, may cause a dog to feel threatened and bite.

Common Dog Attack Injuries 

Dog bites can result in a variety of injuries that may drastically range in severity. Our Los Angeles dog bite lawyers have identified the following most common dog attack injuries: 

• Broken or fractured bones 
• Wounds and lacerations 
• Infections 
• Permanent scarring 
• Nerve damage 
• Emotional trauma 
• Psychological trauma 
• Disfigurement 
• And more… 

If you or a loved one have been injured by a dog attack in Los Angeles, call our team of dog bite lawyers at The Barnes Firm today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE consultation. 

What Should I Do After Being Bitten by a Dog? 

After being bitten by a dog, you may be left injured and traumatized. However, there are measures you can take to protect yourself and preserve evidence that can be used for filing a dog bite injury claim later. Our Los Angeles dog bite lawyers recommend that you:

• Get to Safety. If possible, get away from the aggressive dog and maintain a safe distance so it cannot bite or attack you again. 
• Call Emergency Services. Dial 9-1-1 so that local police and emergency responders can arrive at the scene, document the incident, and evaluate your injuries. 
• Collect Evidence. If you can, take pictures of your injuries, the dog, the property, and any other relevant factors of the attack. Additionally, get the dog owner’s contact information, the dog’s veterinary records, and witness statements from anyone who saw the attack. 
• Report the Attack. Contact Los Angeles Animal Control to report the incident and describe the dog that attacked you. 
• Seek Medical Attention. Even if you feel fine, receiving medical attention is crucial for evaluating the extent of your injuries and determining if you may have an infection from the bite.
• Call The Barnes Firm. Have your dog attack case evaluated for FREE by our team of experienced Los Angeles dog bite lawyers at The Barnes Firm.

Call the Los Angeles Dog Bite Lawyers at The Barnes Firm

If you have been attacked by a dog in Los Angeles, you’re likely traumatized and dealing with physical pain. While you focus on recovery, a Los Angeles dog bite attorney at The Barnes Firm can investigate your case, handle insurance adjusters on your behalf, and begin crafting a compelling case to help you get the best result possible. Call us today at (800) 800-0000 for a FREE consultation. It could be the best call you make. 

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes