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Many people mistakenly believe that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth. Unfortunately, that is not the case, as studies have shown that hundreds of unique bacterial species can be identified in the saliva of dogs. Furthermore, numerous parasites can be present in pet saliva. 

This is concerning, as dog bite incidents can lead to infections. About 50% of dog bites introduce bacteria, including staphylococcus, streptococcus and pasteurella, as well as capnocytophaga. Dog bites also result in potential exposure to rabies, and vaccination may be recommended after an attack.

Dog bites usually result in flesh injuries, and may also result in more serious damage to underlying tissues, nerves, and even broken bones. Scarring may be significant and could require plastic surgery. The most serious dog bite incidents result in fatalities, but those instances are rare.

Unfortunately, many dog bites in our area involve children.  About 4.7 million dog bites happen every year in the United States. Of kids bitten, more than half are under age fourteen. Injuries to children due to dog bites pose unique problems and require a personal injury lawyer who understands the complex issues involved in representing these special plaintiffs. 

In many dog bite situations, such as where the dog exhibited “vicious” tendencies known to the owners prior to the attack, New York law allows the victim to recover financial compensation from the owner of the animal or their insurance company. The damages could include medical bills, lost time from work, and compensation for pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one have been injured due to a dog bite or dog attack please contact us to learn more.

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About the author:  Peter J. Gregory is a partner with the firm.  He is a trial lawyer with extensive experience resolving disputes in state and federal trial courts. His personal injury practice focuses on advising clients who have been injured or lost loved ones in accidents caused by the carelessness or recklessness of others. Please feel free to contact him directly at pgregory@mccmlaw.com or (585) 512-3506.

This publication is intended as an information source for clients, prospective clients, and colleagues and constitutes attorney advertising. The content should not be considered legal advice and readers should not act upon information in this publication without individualized professional counsel.

About MCCM

McConville Considine Cooman & Morin, P.C. is a full-service law firm based in Rochester, New York, providing high-quality legal services to businesses and individuals since 1979.  With over a dozen attorneys and a full paralegal support staff, the firm is well-positioned to right-size services tailored to each client. We are large enough to provide expertise in a broad range of practice areas, yet small enough to devote prompt, personal attention to our clients.

We represent a diverse range of clients located throughout New York State and New England.  They include individuals, numerous manufacturing and service industry businesses, local governments, and health care professionals, provider groups, facilities and associations. We also serve as local counsel to out-of-state clients and their attorneys who have litigation pending in Western New York courts.  For more information, please contact us at 585.546.2500.