Did you know that more than 4.5 million individuals in the US are bitten by dogs annually? Even if nearly 81% of dog bites result in little or no injuries, one in five victims still need medical care.
According to statistics, hospitalization is not a common result of the majority of dog attacks in the US. The odds of dying from a dog attack (1 in 118,776) is much less than either heart disease (1 in 6) or a fall (1 in 111). Despite this, there is still a significant chance of being a victim in a dog bite incident.
Dog bites can range from playful, friendly nips to vicious, unprovoked assaults which frequently require trips to the hospital along with significant physical injuries such as puncture wounds, broken bones, eye injuries, scars, head and neck injuries, face injuries, nerve damage and more. This is not even mentioning the emotional effects of a severe dog attack.
If you were the victim of a severe dog bite incident, that required hospitalization and/or medical treatment and need representation, this article provides recent dog bite statistics as well as the information required to contact a California serious dog bite lawyer for a consultation.
2022 National Dog Bite Statistics
- In the United States, more than 4.5 million individuals are attacked by dogs each year, according to the National Library of Medicine.
- 800,000 individuals seek medical care for dog bites, and 10–20 people die as a result of their injuries.
- Every year, dogs claim the lives of between 30 and 50 people. 46 persons were attacked and killed in the past year.
- To treat dog bite and attack injuries, 30,000 reconstructive surgeries are required including stitches, staples, and other procedures.
- In 2021, there were 17,989 dog bite claims made on homeowners insurance, up from 17,597 the year before. This modification amounts to an increase of more than 2%.
- Between 2005 and 2017, California and Texas reported the greatest number of fatalities resulting from dog bite incidents.
- Each day, almost 1,000 individuals in the United States need emergency medical attention for serious dog bite wounds.
- Pit Bulls bite more frequently than any other breed (25.07%), while Labrador Retrievers come in second (13.72%).
- The most probable dog breeds to bite and attack are those with broad heads and weight ranges of 66 to 100 pounds.
- Dog bites are five percent more likely to occur in an urban setting than a rural one.
- Male dogs are responsible for more than 90% of deadly dog attacks.
- More than 80% of animal bite injuries in the US are caused by dogs.
Dog attack statistics by breed
The number of dog attacks by breed throughout the previous years was recorded in 2021. Below is a list of the top 5 dog breeds in the US for bite attacks.
1. Pit Bull
3,397 attacks
295 fatalities
Statistics support the widespread belief that pit bulls are among the most belligerent breeds. Even though the breed has a bad reputation, not all pit bulls are violent; still, if you’re considering obtaining a dog and want a pit bull, you should be aware of these facts.
2. Rottweiler
535 attacks
8 fatalities
Rottweilers can develop aggressive behavior if they are not given the right amount of mental and physical stimulation. They are normally friendly canines that serve mostly as security and police dogs or in search and rescue operations.
3. German Shepherd
113 attacks
15 fatalities
German Shepherds are adored for their protective tendencies and are high energy, alert dog breeds. Their functions as police and military dogs make good use of these characteristics. However, due to their aggressive inclinations, if they are not properly educated, they are more prone to bite people they do not know.
4. Presa Canario
111 attacks
18 fatalities
Presa Canarios were bred to be guard dogs and are aggressive by nature. They were lawfully exploited in Spain for dog fighting up until 1936, when the practice was made illegal. Similar to Pit Bulls, Presa Canarios do not distinguish between attacks on youngsters and assaults on adults.
5. Wolf-Dog Crossbreeds
85 attacks
19 fatalities
Compared to other dog breeds, these crosses have been less domesticated. As a result, the dogs retain most of their instinct, which naturally makes them more aggressive. When they feel threatened or protective, they may exhibit predatory behavior.
Claiming Damages for a Dog Attack
If the dog bite occurred in public or the victim had a legal right to be there, the dog owner is strictly liable as defined by California Civil Code 3342.
There are several avenues for victims of dog bites in California to get compensation, including reimbursement for medical expenses. Victims may be entitled to compensation if the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous, or the owner was irresponsible in failing to take reasonable precautions to avoid the injury.
Contact a skilled Temecula dog bite attorney if you have been the victim of a serious dog attack in California.
Contact us
For over 25 years, Zucker Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers has successfully handled serious dog on human bite claims. Call us right away for a free case review at (951) 699-2100 if a negligently handled dog caused your injuries. We’ll be there to guide you through this trying time and help you receive the compensation you’re due.
