Because dogs are often kept as pets, they can be a part of many people’s lives, even if that person isn’t a dog owner themselves. Unfortunately, the high number of dogs means that dog-related attacks can happen anywhere, at any time. Here are a few important things to know about dog bite injuries.

FindLaw has a frequently asked questions page focused specifically on dog bite injuries, which affect a number of Americans every day. These questions primarily revolve around who holds liability for a dog bite attack. For example, if a person lives in a city with a leash law and they are bitten while someone’s dog is off of their leash, this will usually be seen in court as a sign of the owner’s negligence. Because of that, they can be held liable. On the other hand, many pet owners also have pet insurance. Liability laws also differ from state to state.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also discuss some potential warning signs in dogs that could alert a person to the possibility of an attack. This may allow them to lower their chances of being severely wounded. Signs can include strange behavior, aggressive posturing, or growling. A dog’s body language will sometimes give away aggression that could lead to a bite. If given the chance, a person should always protect their neck and head first.

However, attacks sometimes happen without any provocation, leaving a person injured and not knowing why. Taking steps toward financial compensation after an attack can help a victim to move forward in their life and recovery.