Dogs are the most common pet in American homes. They are man’s best friend and with good reason. Dogs are playful, obedient, and can protect a family from harm in many different ways. Dogs can ward off intruders by barking and scare off other dogs or threatening animals with a menacing growl. They can also provide companionship to a family, protect goods, and assist with activities such as hunting. However, dogs can also be the cause of much harm when they turn against their owners, children, friends, or pedestrians. The CDC estimates that dogs bite 4.7 million people every year in the United States.

If you or someone you know has suffered injuries due to a dog bite, please contact our Personal Injury Lawyers today.

Dog Bite Injuries

More than 800,000 people in the United States are rushed to emergency hospital services every year due to serious dog bites. The Department of Health reports that approximately 6,600 children under the age of 20 are attacked by dogs every year, with 200 of them receiving injuries so aggravated they require overnight hospitalization. Minor dog bites may not require any kind of medical treatment if there is no lingering pain or discomfort. However, major dog bite injuries that cause puncture wounds and internal injuries should be taken seriously and treated at a local clinic or hospital.

39 U.S. dog bite-related fatalities occurred in 2017. Despite being regulated in Military Housing areas and over 900 U.S. cities, pit bulls contributed to 74% (29) of these deaths. Pit bulls make up about 6.5% of the total U.S. dog population. Rottweilers are the second most dangerous breed of canine. During the 13-year period of 2005 to 2017, canines killed 433 Americans. Two dog breeds, pit bulls (284) and Rottweilers (45), contributed to 76% (329) of these deaths. 35 different dog breeds contributed to the remaining fatal dog mauling. This information is according to statistics from Dogbites.org.

The most common personal injuries from dog bites include:

Puncture Wounds
Infections
Rabies
Nerve Damage
Loss of Fingers
Dislocated Fingers/Limbs
Loss of Blood
Scarring

How to Prevent Dog Bites

It is very important to remember that dogs must be treated with respect and in accordance to their understanding. Adopting a dog who has a history of disobeying their owners may result in preventable dog bites. However, training your dog to be a social animal can prevent accidental bites from occurring when the dog is around family, friends, or strangers. Aggressive breeds like pit bulls and Rottweilers must be given special attention when among large groups of people due to their protective natures. These breeds may mistake social activities for threats and attack innocent people resulting in serious dog bites.

One simple measure that many dog owners fail to implement is neutering their male dogs. The American Humane Society reports that approximately 92% of all fatal dog attacks involved male dogs, 94% of which were not neutered. Neutering a dog can reduce his aggressive nature and may prevent dog bites.

Supervising your dog when around children is a must. No matter how obedient and well-behaved your dog may be, some external stimuli may cause him/her to react in a negative manner and result in violent behavior.

Further safety measures to prevent dog bites include:

Approach dogs in a friendly manner
Move slowly around dogs so they will not feel frightened or startled
Refrain from teasing a dog or pulling its tail

Getting Legal Help

Dogs can be friendly, loyal, and obedient members of a family for years before showing any type of violent behavior. There is no warning or telling when a dog may strike. Anything can trigger a dog’s animal instincts and cause the dog to bite. If you or anyone you know has been bitten and injured by a dog, please contact our Personal Injury Lawyers today.