Do Dog Bite Incidents Increase in the Spring and Summer?

 Posted on April 09, 2024 in Dog Bites

As the weather warms up, and more people engage in outdoor activities in San Jose and the surrounding areas, there is likely to be a notable rise in dog bite incidents. This is a common trend that occurs year after year, and children are especially likely to be affected. Dog bite injuries can be severe, and victims will need to understand their options. For victims of dog bites, a seasoned attorney can provide guidance on the legal avenues that may be used to recover financial compensation from a dog’s owner or other liable parties.

Why Dog Bites Increase in Warmer Months

Each year, around 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs, and the majority of these incidents occur during the spring and summer. California has the highest number of dog bite claims, accounting for 11 percent of all insurance claims related to dog attacks. 

There are several reasons why dog bites become more prevalent during the spring and summer months, including:

• More outdoor activities: With the arrival of warmer weather, both people and pets spend more time outdoors, increasing the number of interactions between people and dogs and the chances that a dog will bite or attack someone.

• Increased interaction with strangers: Dogs are more likely to encounter unfamiliar faces during walks, park visits, or gatherings at their owners’ homes. Unfamiliar people or situations can lead to anxious or defensive behavior in dogs, leading to bites or attacks.

• Heat stress: Just like humans, dogs can become irritable when exposed to high heat levels. Warmer weather may contribute to aggressive behavior in dogs.

Types of Injuries from Dog Bites

Dog bites can result in a range of injuries, including:

• Puncture wounds: A dog’s teeth can penetrate through the skin and damage underlying tissues. These can be deep, and they may lead to infections.

• Lacerations and abrasions: These injuries can be superficial, but they can also be very painful. In some cases, deep lacerations may require stitches, and they may lead to scarring, especially when they occur on the face.

• Crush injuries: Larger dogs can cause bone fractures or internal injuries through their powerful jaws. Broken or crushed bones may lead to lengthy recovery periods, and nerve damage may also occur.

• Infections: Dog saliva can introduce bacteria into the body, and in some cases, victims may experience serious infections like rabies or tetanus.

• Emotional trauma: Beyond physical injuries, dog bites can result in significant psychological distress, particularly in children.

While people of all ages may suffer harm due to dog bites, children are particularly vulnerable to serious injuries. Because they are smaller, they will be more likely to suffer bites on the head, face, or neck. This may lead to permanent scarring, or lacerations could cause life-threatening blood loss.

Contact a San Jose Dog Bite Attorney

Following an attack by a dog, victims should not hesitate to seek legal assistance. At Law Office of John J. Garvey, III, our South Bay Area dog bite injury lawyer can provide the support and guidance needed in the aftermath of these incidents. We understand the many ways a victim and their family may be affected by dog attacks, including the serious nature of physical injuries and ongoing emotional issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We are dedicated to ensuring that injury victims will be fully compensated for the harm they have suffered.

To schedule a free consultation, contact us today at 408-293-7777. We are ready to help you take legal action against the owner of a dog that attacked you or your family member or any other parties who may have been responsible. We will not rest until you are made whole.