Seattle Personal Injury Lawyer’s Top Dog Bite Statistics and Beyond
February 25, 2010 by Dog Trainer Filed under Biting Dogs
Dog bites occur every 75 seconds in the U.S.; at least, thatâs the estimate. Each day, over 1,000 people need emergency care for dog bites. Dog bites have serious consequences, including permanent disfigurement, nerve and tissue damage, psychological trauma and death. Knowing dog bite statistics in Washington and throughout the U.S. can give one insight into the seriousness, prevalence and possible prevention of this frightening injury.
The Facts
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), dogs bite 4.5 million people each year in the U.S. One in five of these dog bites results in injuries requiring medical attention. In 2006, more than 31,000 people had surgery after a dog bite.
Who is Most at Risk for a Dog Bite?
The rate of dog bite injuries is highest for children ages 5-9. Among adults, males are more likely than females to be dog bite victims. Another high-risk category of dog bite victims are postal carriers. In 2007, more than 3,000 city and rural postal carriers suffered dog bites. Those with dogs in their homes have a higher incidence of dog bites among both adults and children. In fact, dog bites are five times more likely to occur in households with adults that have two or more dogs in the home than those without dogs in the home. The State of Minnesota reported their rate of hospital-treated dog bites increasing 40 percent between 1998 and 2005. The highest rate occurred in children between the ages of 1 to 4 years. In 75 percent of those cases, the child was familiar with the dog. The attacks most often occurred in the home (48 percent) and the yard (18 percent).
Regarding children and dogs in the home, a study by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of the State of Maryland suggest that it is imperative that adults supervise children, even in the presence of family dogs. The study used three fatal dog attacks: an 18-day old infant mauled by a pit bull; a 3-month old infant mauled by a Chow Chow/Dachshund mix; and an 18-day old infant mauled by a Labrador-pit bull mix. Each infant was not under the supervision of an adult at the time of the attack; each infant suffered an attack from the family pet; and, most interesting, each infant was in a baby swing. The study suggests that mobile swings may trigger a predatory response in dogs, representing an additional risk factor for dog attacks and bites. One piece of advice to new parents: Give extra attention to the family dog when a new baby joins the family to prevent the pet from being jealous or threatened by the babyâs presence.
Watch These Breeds
Is there a breed of dog that has a greater propensity for biting? While even a small, docile dog can bite, pit bulls appear to be in the spotlight. Pit bulls accounted for 59 percent of all fatal dog bites and attacks in 2006-2008. Combined, pit bulls and rottweilers accounted for 73 percent of dog bite deaths. In Seattle, pit bulls represent about 24 percent of dog bites. Seattle Animal Control reports about 300 dog bites each year.
The Cost of Dog Bites
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), insurance companies paid $317.2 million for dog liability claims in 2005. In 2008, the average cost of a dog bite was $24,461. This figure is, of course, tied in to rising medical costs, higher insurance premiums and other factors. However, a third of all homeowner insurance claims now are dog bite liabilities. Insurance companies encourage dog owners, especially those in the high-risk breeds, to purchase personal excess liability policies to protect themselves against dog bite liability claims.
Under the law, dog owners are liable for injuries to others by their pets. As in other states, Washington dog bite victims have a right to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, counseling, and pain and suffering. Also included in compensation is any permanent damage, such as scarring and other disfigurement.
In a Washington dog bite claim, victims must meet the following elements, among others, in order to collect compensation: the identity of the dogâs owner, proof of the dog bite or attack, that the dog bite caused injury and damage, and that the dog bite was not provoked or excused. Given that victims of personal injury claims in Washington carry the burden of proof in any case, victims may want to seek the advice of a Seattle dog bite lawyer like Kirk Bernard to learn what their rights are after suffering a dog bite.
Seattle personal injury attorney, Kirk Bernard of The Bernard Law Group, has worked to protect the rights of injury and accident victims for more than 20 years as a civil litigator. Inspired by his father, Saul Bernard, who tried hundreds of cases beginning in the 1930s, Kirk Bernard works to maintain the family-rooted objective of making a difference to those who have been wronged by another.
In the extensive period that Kirk Bernard has been litigating injury cases, he has acquired invaluable legal knowledge to assist injury victims and their families in obtaining just compensation for the physical harm and emotional suffering that has befallen upon them at no fault of their own.
In acquiring millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients, Kirk Bernard’s dedication has helped Washington accident victims in receiving the monetary funds that they need to help pay for expenses associated with their injuries brought on by another individual’s negligence. In addition to being a skilled Seattle personal injury attorney, Kirk Bernard is also a member of ATLA, the Consumer Attorney’s Association, and an eagle member of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association.
