Reversing the Rise in Dog Bite Injuries SAFETY FIRST
and their faces are often the first place attacked. The total number of dog bite incidents per year has reached 4.7 million, half of them children between the ages of 5 and 9, according to WebMD. Missouri holds dog owners liable for damages to victims of dog bites, even if the owner took precautions to prevent the attack or restrain the dog. The owner is subject to a fine of $1,000 and other damages to the injured person, including medical bills. However, if the victim is at fault to some degree, through taunting or provoking the dog, the owner’s liability will be reduced in proportion to the victim’s fault. Also, the owner can only be held liable if the victim was on public or private property legally (rather than trespassing). Well-informed training and supervision of pets could prevent many of these
YOUR REFERRALS MEAN THE WORLD TO US There is no greater compliment we can receive than a client telling a friend or loved one about us. If you know somebody who has been injured and needs an attorney who will fight on their behalf and give their case the attention it deserves, please pass along this newsletter and have them call us at 314-293-4222. Thank you for spreading the word about Finney Injury Law. injuries. Pet owners should never encourage playful biting or nipping. Use a harness, muzzle, or head halter if your dog is going to be around strangers, and never allow your pet to run outside unleashed. If your dog is prone to aggressive behavior, enlist a professional trainer certified in dealing with aggressive dogs. Also, adults should keep children away from dogs they don’t know and never leave them alone with an unfamiliar dog. Adults and children alike should never approach a dog too quickly or come too close when they are eating or feeding puppies. Pets that appear nervous or overwhelmed may bite someone out of sheer anxiety. With a little training and education, pet owners can ensure their dogs play their customary role in our lives — as “man’s best friend.”
Dogs are the nation’s most popular pets. The canine population has risen nearly 70% since 1996 to almost 90 million, compared with 74 million cats. Unfortunately, the number of insurance claims for dog bite injuries is rising, too. Claims rose at an annual rate of 8.3% in 2023 to 19,062 nationwide, at an average cost per claim of $58,545, reflecting rising medical costs and a trend among judges and juries toward larger damage awards, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Dog bites can cause devastating injuries and leave scars for life. Children are at increased risk because they aren’t likely to recognize signs of canine aggression,
Hearty Gnocchi Soup
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 medium onion, diced • 1/2 tsp celery seed • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 16 oz fresh gnocchi • 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 2 tbsp chopped chives • Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS 1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and celery seed and cook until onion is soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. 2. Add broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook for about 3 minutes, then stir in half-and-half and 1/2 of the bacon. 3. Remove from heat and add 3/4 cup cheese, then rest until thickened, about 5 minutes. 4. Top with remaining cheese, chives, and bacon as desired.
Practicing in Missouri and Illinois
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