Dog Bite Data

Dog Bite Data

Dogs continue to be America’s favorite companion animal.  The severity of dog bite attacks vary for a multitude of reasons, including stress reaction by the dog or a perceived threat. Other times the dog can be startled or become overly excited during rough and tumble play. Regardless of the reason a bite occurs, the impact can be life changing.

According to the World Animal Foundation (WAF), the Center for Disease Control’s dog bite statistics show 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year. The majority of bites are unreported, but we know over 885,000 annual dog bite victims require medical attention. Most injuries are minor requiring wound cleaning, antibiotics, and possibly stitches. However, nearly 2% of dog bite victims require hospitalization because of life-altering injuries that necessitate reconstructive surgery and prolonged treatment. Dog-bite-related fatalities do occur. Regretfully, children are the most susceptible to a fatal encounter with a dog. In a 13-year study, from 2005 to 2017, 49% of dog bite fatalities were children age 9 and younger; 48% of those being children less than a year old.

Annual Dog Bite Data From 2022

Data shows 32% of dog bite fatality victims were children ages 0 to 4-years, 10% were ages 5 to 9-years, and 13% were adults over the age of 75.

Most children killed by dogs were male.

Most adults killed by dogs were female.

Historical Dog Bite Data

Historically, Pit bulls and pit bull mixes inflict 52% of all dog-bite-related deaths.

According to DogsBite.org, in 2019, for the first time on record, adult victims in the 30-49 age group outnumbered the 0-4 age group, which historically has the highest number of dog bite-related fatalities.  Pit bulls inflicted 11 of these 13 adult deaths, 85%.

Pit bulls killed in every single age group in 2019: 0-2 years, 3-4 years, 5-9 years, 10-18 years, 19-29 years, 30-49 years, 50-69 years and 70+ years. Whereas, all other dog breeds combined primarily killed children ≤ 2 years and adults ≥ 50 years old.

Dog Bite Fatality Data by Breed

During a 15-year Dog Bite Fatality study, 521 Americans were killed by dogs. Of those 521, Pit bulls and Rottweilers were responsible for 76.2% (397) of those deaths.

These statistics are concerning for people who live around pit bulls and rottweilers. Why are they so deadly?

Pit Bulls

Pit bulls were originally bred for animal-killing sports and dog fighting, and because of this heritage, they often show a tendency to attack other animals with remarkable ferocity. They can be unrelenting when attacking. This is likely the reason pit bulls are used in illegal dog fights, by criminal organizations to guard drugs and other property and to intimidate and attack others. Their ferocious and intimidating nature is one reason they are used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as drug detection dogs. It is very difficult to ignore this history.

Rottweilers

Rottweilers have a different history. They are considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds with origins going back to Roman times. They marched over the Alps with the Roman legions, protecting the humans and driving their cattle. Their main purpose was driving and guarding cattle and defending their masters and their property. Rottweilers have a strong sense of loyalty and purpose. Their temperament makes them great dogs for protecting family and property, but their size can make them a problem for even friendly visitors.

Animal instincts can transform both breeds into dangerous dogs when they perceive a threat or prey. The danger is amplified by a lack of training, abuse, neglect, irresponsible ownership, and further aggressive breeding.

We love these dogs, but we cannot ignore that the majority of dog attack deaths and injuries are caused by two very specific breeds. These statistics suggest that you should be careful around these breeds, especially if the dog is unfamiliar to you. It is also wise to take the statistics into consideration when looking to adopt, especially if you have a young child.

If You’re a Dog Owner, Things to Consider

As a dog owner, if your dog injures someone, even off your property, you are responsible for the injuries and can be held financially accountable. When pursuing a dog bite claim, attorneys typically go after the dog owner’s homeowners insurance or renter’s insurance. These insurance coverages are to protect you and your assets from a lawsuit in certain situations, including if your dog bites someone.

Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance Can Protect You

As a current or future dog owner, it is key to review your current homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to make sure you are covered if your dog bites someone. Insurance companies closely watch dog bite statistics and each insurance company has a list of “excluded dog breeds.” If you own a dog breed on the excluded list and your dog injures someone, your insurance company will not cover your financial responsibility. This leaves you personally liable for the victim’s medical costs, pain, suffering, disfigurement, and other damages. Your assets are at risk—everything you own is up for grabs. Excluded breeds can vary by the insurance company, but it’s not surprising to see Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Chow Chows, or German Shepherds on those lists.

Call your insurance agent or insurance company to make sure you have sufficient insurance coverage to protect yourself from being financially accountable for your dog’s bite. Ask if your dog’s breed is on an excluded list and, if so, whether you can have a “variance” or “rider” to add your dog to your insurance policy. Many insurance companies grant a variance if your dog has a “Canine Good Citizen” certificate from the American Kennel Club, or your dog is trained as a “Service Dog”. Worse case, you can look for another insurance company to purchase “Animal Liability” coverage specifically for your breed.

Proper Dog Training Might Protect You Better

Even with proper insurance coverage, we feel compelled to urge you to train your dog, socialize your dog, avoid abuse and neglect, and watch your dog around kids. Dogs that are spayed or neutered have also been shown to be less aggressive and, thus, less likely to injure someone. Follow these suggestions and you are less likely to get a letter from a law firm like Gage Mathers.

We Are Dog Owners Too!

Before her passing, members of the Gage Mathers Team found themselves petting the loving head of our office dog—Ella, a mini Australian Shepherd brought in by Martin and Liz Mathers. Joseph D’Aguanno, our managing partner, has 4 rescue dogs himself, including a Pitbull mix named Mabel.

As leading personal injury attorneys, we have seen the negative side of pet ownership—dogs who deviated from normal canine behavior and caused injuries to a person. Considering there are 76 million dogs in the US and 38.4% of U.S. homes own at least one, it is no surprise that there is an average of 4.5 million dog bites in the U.S. each year.

As animal lovers, our main goal is not to punish the dog, which is oftentimes a victim of improper training or handling. Our goal is to advocate for dog bite victims to ensure they receive the necessary treatment for their injuries and are properly compensated.

Dog Bite Injuries Can Be Serious

The majority of the bites result in little to no injury (81%), but it does not take much

for a bite to become serious, especially for children or the elderly.  Serious injuries include systemic infections, disfigurement, or even death. This can result in mounting medical bills or debt.

The average cost of a hospital visit for a dog bite has increased from 2003 at $19,162 to $64,555 in 2022; dog-related injury claim payouts rose 32% from 2021 to 2022.  Increasing health care costs are unlikely to explain the doubling of medical expenses. We believe the sizeable increase in health costs for dog bite victims is the proliferation of large and dangerous breeds (and improper training). Either way, this is a major event that will impact your life for a long time to come.

Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bite attacks can be the most psychologically damaging events you face.  You can’t control the dog.  You don’t know when, or if, the dog will stop attacking.  The emotional trauma and physical injuries can change your life forever.

You Only Get One Shot So Hire An Experienced Dog Bite Attorney

At Gage Mathers Law Group, we care deeply about dog bite victims.  For over 50 years, our Phoenix dog bite lawyers have helped dog bite victims throughout Arizona get the compensation they deserve. We are experts in navigating the complexities of dog bite laws as well as negotiating with insurance companies to secure maximum settlement value for our clients. That is why thousands of people have trusted their cases with us.

We are here to help if you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite. Call (602) 258-0646 to request a free consultation.