Preventing Dog Bites During Halloween Trick or Treating

Posted by & filed under dog bite injury.

Attorney Grant Travis | Travis Law Firm | Personal Injury Attorney, DUI Defense Attorney, Criminal Defense Attorney | Serving Erie, Crawford, Warren & all of Northwestern PA | Call the Travis Law Firm at 814-277-2222 today!

Dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dogs under Pennsylvania’s personal injury laws. A dog owner may be held liable if their dog bites or attacks another person if the injury is severe or the owner had reasonable notice the dog was potentially dangerous.

If a dog injures you or your child, you may receive compensation for your damages. Damages may include medical bills, loss of income, scarring, disfigurement, pain, and suffering Call The Travis Law Firm for a free consultation with an Erie dog bite attorney.

Safety Tips for Dog Owners on Halloween

As a dog owner, you are responsible for your pet and any damages caused by your pet. Even if you do not plan to give out candy this Halloween, you need to take steps to protect children and adults as they are out Trick or Treating.  Steps you can take to keep Trick or Treaters safe include:

  • Keep your dog inside or on a leash at all times.
  • If your dog tends to be excitable, consider placing the dog in a quiet room.
  • Give your do a special new toy or treat to keep him or her busy during the evening.
  • If you want your dog to participate in greeting visitors, you need to keep your dog on a leash.
  • Keep your pets away from the door to prevent them from running out when you open the door for Trick or Treaters.
  • If someone knocking at the door or ringing the doorbell upsets your dog, you can try sitting outside to hand out candy or watch for children and open the door before they knock.

If you do not have a “Beware of Dog” sign to warn visitors that you have a dog, you should purchase one or more signs and place them in your front yard and near the front door.

Safety Tips for Parents and Trick or Treaters

When you take your children out on Halloween, safety should be a top priority. In addition to ensuring your child is safe from traffic and other hazards, you should also take steps to protect your child from dogs and other animals.

  • Carry a flashlight so that you can watch for dogs and other animals as you walk and approach homes.
  • Teach your child how to treat a dog if it approaches your child, such as not to run away from the dog.
  • Watch for “Beware of Dog” signs when walking up to a home.
  • Do not allow your child to Trick or Treat without adult supervision.
  • Consider carrying a safety device, such as a stick or pepper spray with you.
  • Teach your child never to try to walk into someone’s home, regardless of how friendly the person may seem.

If a dog approaches you and your child, remain calm and avoid making any sudden movements or loud noises. Avoid eye contact with the dog. If you move, you need to back away very slowly and remember not to run from the dog.

Call an Erie Dog Bite Attorney for Information

If a dog bites you or your child, you need to seek medical care for the bite. Depending on the severity of the bite, you may need extensive medical treatment. You also need to contact an Erie dog bite attorney to discuss your legal rights and how to file an injury claim against the dog owner. You might be entitled to substantial compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages.

Contact The Travis Law Firm at (800) 401-2066 to request a free legal consultation with our Erie dog bite injury lawyer.