Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog
Micky Ward, legendary boxer and the subject of the movie “The Fighter,” was hospitalized for a week last month after suffering an injury from a dog bite accident in Massachusetts. It happened while he was trying to separate a dog fight, according to Boston.com.
Ward’s agent reports that the boxer was walking his dog in Lowell when the other pup approached the two. He says Ward initially thought that the dogs would be friendly, but when they started to get rough with each other, he stuck his right hand between them to keep them from harming one another. That’s when one of the dogs sunk its teeth into Ward’s hand.
Dog bites happen all too often and sometimes when people least expect it. Our Boston dog bite injury lawyers urge everyone to be cautious around strange dogs as nearly 5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. It is estimated that one in five dog bites results in injury and the need for medical attention.
“They got his [right ring] finger pretty bad,” said agent Nick Cordasco.
The former junior welterweight champion was hospitalized and received stitches in his hand to heal up the wound. He wasn’t immediately released from the hospital because doctors wanted to conduct a number of tests to make sure there were no complications. Ward reportedly had no other medical issues other than the injured finger.
“He’s in good spirits,” Cordasco said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are nearly 1 million injuries that result from dog bites every year. More than 31,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery because of dog bites in 2006.
Children age 5- to 9-years-old are the most likely to suffer a dog bite injury. They have a higher rate of dog bite-related injuries than any other age group. According to dog bite data, men are more likely to be bitten than women.
Residents who have a dog have a greater change of being bitten that those without. With more dogs in the home, your risks of being bitten increase. Residents with two or more dogs in the house are five times more likely to experience a dog bite incident.
Follow these safety tips to help prevent being bitten by a dog:
Before you bring home a pet dog:
-Talk with a veterinarian, animal behaviorist or responsible breeder to learn what breeds of dogs would be best for your household and your family members.
-Typically, dog breeds with a history of aggression are not suitable for households with young children.
-Keep an eye out for cues that show your child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog.
-Spend time with your potential dog before bringing it home.
If you decide to bring a dog into your home:
-Make sure that you spay or neuter your dog. This typically reduces aggression.
-Never leave young children alone with your new dog.
-Don’t play aggressive games with your dog.
-When training your dog, teach it submissive behaviors.
General safety tips for unfamiliar dogs:
-Never approach an unfamiliar dog.
-Don’t run from a dog.
-Don’t move when an unfamiliar dog is approaching.
-If you’re knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still.
-Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
-Don’t touch, pet or play with a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
If you have suffered injuries from a dog bite in Massachusetts, contact Boston Injury Attorney Jeffrey S. Glassman for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 877-617-5333.
Additional Resources:
Micky Ward hospitalized after dog bites finger, by Travis Andersen, Boston.com