Understanding the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale
Being bitten or attacked by a dog is a traumatizing and overwhelming experience. The Dunbar Dog Bite Scale remains an important evaluation tool that is used in the clinical review and analysis of dog bite cases. Essentially, the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale categorizes the severity of dog bites into six levels. Understanding each level is crucial to receive adequate dog bite treatment and pursue your injury claims.
At Deborah Hubbs, Attorney & Counselor at Law, PLLC, I have the compassion and knowledge to fight for clients in their dog bite cases. As an experienced Texas dog bite attorney, I can tell you about the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale, evaluate the magnitude of your dog bite injuries, and explore your available options to recover damages. My firm proudly serves clients across Houston, Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Montgomery County, Texas.
Understanding the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale
The Dunbar Dog Bite Scale is a generally endorsed method that is used to understand dog behavior and analyze dog bite incidents. The system offers an excellent way to determine the severity and seriousness of the dog bite injury. It was created by Dr. Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and canine trainer.
Levels of the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale
The Dunbar Dog Bite Scale categorizes the seriousness of dog bites into six levels. These include:
Level 1 (Pre-Bite)
According to the Dunbar Scale, a Level 1 Dog Bite involves aggressive behavior from the canine as it tries to scare you into leaving the premises. There is no skin contact.
Level 2 (Near-Bite)
Under the Dunbar Scale, a Level 2 Dog Bite involves a near bite on the skin, but without puncturing the skin's outer layer. The dog's teeth make contact with your skin, but it doesn't pierce through.
Level 3 (Skin Punctures)
Furthermore, a Level 3 Dog Bite involves a single bite that causes a shallow wound. Here, the dog's teeth puncture through the skin, and you may require wound treatment. The majority of dog bites fall into this category.
Level 4 (Single Bite with Deep Punctures)
Additionally, a Level 4 Dog Bite involves a single bite with deep punctures on the skin. In contrast to a Level 3 Dog Bite, you will suffer deep bruising around the bite area.
Level 5 (Multiple Bites with Deep Punctures)
According to the Dunbar Scale, a Level 5 Dog Bite involves multiple bites with deep punctures due to several attacks. In severe cases, the puncture wound may be deeper than half of the canine teeth of the animal. Generally, dogs that inflict Level 5 Bites are considered dangerous and may be euthanized.
Level 6 (Death)
Lastly, a Level 6 Dog Bite occurs when the dog bite or dog attack results in the victim's death. In some cases, the dog may consume the flesh or skin removed from the victim's body. This remains the most severe form of dog bite. Similar to Level 5 Dog Bite, the dog is dangerous and may be euthanized.
If you or someone close to you has suffered a dog bite injury, you need to reach out to a seasoned dog bite attorney right away. Your legal counsel can investigate all of the facts of your case, inform you about the next steps to take after the incident, and help pursue your deserved compensation.
What to Do After a Bite
Being involved in a dog bite incident can be traumatizing. However, what you do or fail to do can have a significant impact on the outcome of your personal injury claims. Therefore, if you were bitten by a dog, you should take the following steps where possible:
Get to safety.
Seek immediate medical treatment for your dog bite injuries.
Obtain relevant information about the dog's owner and witnesses.
Report the dog bite incident to the authorities by calling 311.
Obtain the dog bite report from the police, your physician, or local animal control.
Document photos of your injuries, medical expenses, hospital visits, treatments, doctor's appointments, medications, and medical reports.
Document your personal account of the dog bite incident and how it has affected your day-to-day life and work.
Hire an experienced attorney to help file your claims and negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance companies involved.
It is important that you take the aforementioned steps quickly to avoid misplacing vital documents or forgetting crucial information. A dedicated attorney can walk you through the claims process and help you pursue your deserved financial justice.
Protect Your Health After a Dog Bite
A dog bite or animal attack can be a terrifying experience and might leave you with physical injuries and mental trauma. Nevertheless, you don't have to go through financial liability and suffering all alone. At Deborah Hubbs, Attorney & Counselor at Law, PLLC, I proudly support and represent victims of dog bite injuries in their claims.
I can fight vigorously for your legal rights in an attempt to recover the maximum possible financial compensation to cover your injuries, pain, discomfort, suffering, and other damages.
Contact me at Deborah Hubbs, Attorney & Counselor at Law, PLLC, today to have a skilled dog bite attorney analyze your case. I possess the highly-personalized representation and advocacy you need in your dog bite claims. My firm proudly serves clients across Houston, Harris County, Fort Bend County, and Montgomery County, Texas.