The Prevalence of Dog Bites and Dog Attacks Many people who get bitten and seriously injured by a dog may wonder if it's worth it to pursue litigation.
They may wonder how many other people are attacked by dogs every year, and fear that they are a small minority.
The truth is that canine attacks are shockingly frequent, and are one of the most common types of personal injury lawsuits.
It is estimated that about 2% of the population of the United States is attacked every year by dogs - a total of some 4.
7 million people.
Every year, 25 people are killed as the result of dog attacks.
Perhaps most worryingly, fatal attacks are on the rise.
The annual average of fatal attacks was 17 in the 1990s, while 30 died in 2009.
It's no wonder that dog attacks are so frequent.
They are the most popular pet in America, with about 40% of American homes owning a dog.
That translates to nearly 75 million dogs all over the country.
Because of the close proximity we have to dogs, and the territorial nature of the animals, about 77% of bites are caused by the dog of family or friends, with about 50% of attacks occurring in the home.
Furthermore, 800,000 dog bites (or one in six attacks) are serious enough to require hospitalization.
The victims of these attacks are often left with chronic, long-term injuries and even disabilities as a result of their injuries.
These people deserve financial compensation for their injuries.
Avoiding a Dog Attack While there's no guaranteed way to avoid a dog attack outside of avoiding dogs entirely, the following tips can help you reduce your risk of being in one:
They may wonder how many other people are attacked by dogs every year, and fear that they are a small minority.
The truth is that canine attacks are shockingly frequent, and are one of the most common types of personal injury lawsuits.
It is estimated that about 2% of the population of the United States is attacked every year by dogs - a total of some 4.
7 million people.
Every year, 25 people are killed as the result of dog attacks.
Perhaps most worryingly, fatal attacks are on the rise.
The annual average of fatal attacks was 17 in the 1990s, while 30 died in 2009.
It's no wonder that dog attacks are so frequent.
They are the most popular pet in America, with about 40% of American homes owning a dog.
That translates to nearly 75 million dogs all over the country.
Because of the close proximity we have to dogs, and the territorial nature of the animals, about 77% of bites are caused by the dog of family or friends, with about 50% of attacks occurring in the home.
Furthermore, 800,000 dog bites (or one in six attacks) are serious enough to require hospitalization.
The victims of these attacks are often left with chronic, long-term injuries and even disabilities as a result of their injuries.
These people deserve financial compensation for their injuries.
Avoiding a Dog Attack While there's no guaranteed way to avoid a dog attack outside of avoiding dogs entirely, the following tips can help you reduce your risk of being in one:
- Be familiar with the emotional cues dogs send.
Stiff legs and a rigid body, a lowered and thrust-forward head, lowered ears, curled lips, and growling are some of the classic signs of an angry or territorial dog. - Don't approach strange dogs.
While the majority of dog attacks involve the dog of a friend or family member, it's a good idea to avoid provoking dogs you don't know. - Approach all dogs with care.
Even dogs you know should be approached with caution at first.