Montgomery, Alabama is the capital city of Alabama, the county seat of Montgomery County, and has a population of some 200,000. The Montgomery Metropolitan Statistical Area has a population of about 386,000. As the capital, Montgomery houses many Alabama government agencies, has a large military presence due to Maxwell Air Force Base, and has several public universities. With such a wide variety of students and employees in the Montgomery area, it is no surprise that the city is a dog friendly city.
Montgomery Dog ParksTwo great dog parks: Rotary Park and Hannah Daye Ridling Bark Park are both within Montgomery’s city limits. Additionally, there are several parks within a short drive of the city. Locations such as Bed Bluff Bar at the Silos and The Shoppes at EastChase are both dog-friendly. Events including Yappy Hour at Puppy Palooza and Bark in the Park days at the Montgomery Biscuits Minor League Baseball team park are a few events geared toward citizens and their dogs.
While living in a city so welcoming of pet owners and their dogs is a great perk, citizens should know the risks of being in close proximity of dogs they don’t know in public places —and even on private property. Dogs can be unpredictable and can easily bite when in an unfamiliar location or surrounded by strangers. Furthermore, a dog bite—even a bite that doesn’t seem serious—can cause serious problems, including infection and permanent damage.
If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog in the Montgomery area, contact the Montgomery dog bite attorneys at Hollis, Wright & Clay, P.C here or at 844.LAW.TALK or 205.324.3600 for a free and confidential consultation regarding your dog bite injury case.
Montgomery NeighborhoodsAlthough dog parks, and parks in general, can be a location where dog bites or attacks can take place, residential neighborhoods and private properties are still where the majority of these incidents occur. Dogs roaming through a neighborhood and owners who walk with their dogs not on a leash present a very dangerous environment and risks to others. An owner of a dog should always have their dog on a leash and never allow their dog to roam freely in the neighborhood. No matter how well-behaved you believe your dog to be, all dogs are simply unpredictable and can act out, bite or attack thereby causing another person serious injuries.
Signs a Dog is Agitated and Could BiteWith dogs out and about in Montgomery with their owners, citizens should be able to recognize when and if a dog is a threat to bite. Because even the mildest-mannered dog can be inherently unpredictable, it is important to know warning signs and causes of a dog becoming aggressive. Generally speaking, dogs will display signs of aggression well before actually biting or attacking. Warning signs include:
While a well-behaved and socialized dog usually doesn’t attack, it is important to know that a dog that is afraid may feel there is no other option than to become aggressive. Even if a dog is not displaying aggressive behavior and is overly playful, an injury can occur. Dogs often do not know their own strength when playing. Sick dogs can also lash out.
Dog Bite Injuries: What to KnowAny dog bite injury that breaks the skin should be examined immediately. However, even dog bite injuries that seem less serious should be monitored closely. Due to the strength of a dog’s jaw, a bite can cause nerve damage and even muscular and tendon damage. And because of the bacteria in the saliva in a dog’s mouth, dog bites can lead to infection more quickly than other injuries. Always clean the bite wound with soap and water and consult your doctor.
Your Montgomery Dog Bite AttorneysIf you or someone you know has been injured by a dog, it is important to call the Montgomery dog bite attorneys at Hollis, Wright & Clay, P.C. as soon as possible. Our attorneys have the resources and knowledge of the intricacies of dog bite claims to fight for you and ensure you are compensated financially for medical bills, emotional distress, lost wages, and more.
As is the case with most personal injury claims, the at-fault party’s (the dog owner’s) homeowner’s insurance company usually steps in to handle the case for the dog owner. Even if the dog owner is a neighbor or friend, it is best to file a claim, knowing the dog owner will not likely have to come out of pocket for damages. If you pursue a claim, the insurance company will go to work to pay you as little as possible for your injuries. For this reason, it is best to allow a skilled attorney to go to bat for you while you heal from your injuries.
Call us at 844.LAW.TALK or 205.324.3600 or contact us here. As always, we do not get paid anything unless we recover monetary damages for you. Additionally, we offer a free and confidential consultation to help you evaluate your possible claim.