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Testimonials

A few years ago I was shopping in a large chain store when I slipped in some linseed oil that had been spilled on the floor. I ended up seriously injuring my right shoulder and I eventually needed surgery...

- Robert Nutting
My husband and I were in a serious car accident in which the other driver crossed into our lane and hit us head on. My husband broke his back and I hurt my shoulder so bad that I needed surgery. The first lawyer we hired told us our case was only worth a small amount of money...

- Cheryl H
I came from my home in the United Kingdom to work at a children’s summer camp in northern New Hampshire. Not long after I arrived, I was bitten in the face by a large Akita dog.

- Evie Newbold
Several years ago I was rear-ended while driving and suffered a back injury. The back injury got worse and worse and eventually I was unable to continue working as a landscape architect. Needless to say I was very concerned about my future...

- Rick Kelley
As painful as my injuries and rehabilitation were, I truly did not consider them to be part of the nightmare, because they were, after all, accidents. The actual nightmares were delivered through the callous indifference of insurance companies and the sheer insanity of the Workers Compensation system.

- Diana Willoughby

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Practice Areas

Van Dorn Blog

Dog Bites/Pet Attacks

Do chained or tethered dogs attack more?

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Sample Cases

Dog Bites/Pet Attacks

Pit Bull Attack Leaves Woman, 40, "Waiting to Die"

Awarded: $2,100,000

Dog Bite Case Goest to Trial in New York

Awarded: $240,000

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Dog Bite Prevention Tips

Our children are our world. They fill us with joy and challenge us to do better every day. As parents we try and protect them from harm at all costs. One way to help your child stay safe is by avoiding dog bites and attacks.

Children are the most often attacked group of people. Their size, unabashed love of animals and tendency toward playing roughly with animals puts them at risk of being attacked or bitten by a dog.

Prevention starts at home, with education and avoidance techniques. Many organizations offer excellent tips to prevent dog bites. This list is intended to give you some ways to protect and help your children avoid being attacked by a dog. Some tips pertain to educating your children while others are aimed at helping avoid bites from your family dog.

Prevention measures for the dog owner:

1. Protect your dog against rabies by keeping the immunizations up to date.
2. Leash your dog when out of the house. This will prevent him from running free and possibly biting someone.
3. Properly socialize your dog. A socially friendly dog is less likely to become afraid and bite someone.
4. Play only nonaggressive games such as fetch. Aggressive wrestling or tug of war games can foster inappropriate behaviors in your pet.
5. Spay or neuter your dog. Once spayed or neutered they will be less likely to bite.

Prevention measures for adults and children:

1. Small children should never be left alone with a pet.
2. Teach your children to ask for permission before petting or approaching a dog.
3. Keep away from a dog's fence. They consider this their territory and may bite if their space is threatened.
4. Do not disturb a sleeping, eating or drinking dog.
5. A mother dog will be very protective of her pups. Do not try to get too close or pick up her puppy.
6. Do not run or scream near a friendly or aggressive dog. This will only upset and make the dog more aggressive.
7. Avoid looking directly into a dogs eyes. This is seen as a challenge or threat.
8. Never tease or taunt a dog. Even a dog behind a fence may get loose and attack the teaser.

Though there are times when dog attacks come from nowhere and are impossible to stop, there are some things you can do as a pet owner and parent to help avoid the lifelong injuries and physical and emotional scars associated with dog bites.