Important Dog Bite Statistics
Dogs are popular pets, providing affection, comfort, and companionship. But even friendly dogs can bite. When a dog bites, it can cause the victim severe physical injuries and mental trauma. A dog bite attorney can help injured parties recover compensation for hospital bills, pain and suffering, and other damages from negligent dog owners.
A dog may bite someone out of fear, protection, play, or frustration. With this in mind, attorneys G.R. (Randy) Akin and Greg Burton take a moment to consider some important dog bite statistics. If you live in or around Longview, TX, and would like more information about legal remedies for dog bite victims, we welcome you to schedule a consultation.
How Many Dog Bites Happen a Year?
Not all dog bites result in serious injury or require medical attention. Because many dog bites go unreported, there is no way to know exactly how many dog bites happen in a year.
Although the exact number of dog bites that happen in the United States in a year isn’t known, the Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas DSHS) shared findings from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) stating that every year, approximately 4.5 million people are bitten.
How Many Dog Bites Require Medical Attention?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical attention.
The AVMA states that of those bitten in the United States, approximately 334,000 people are admitted to emergency departments with an additional 466,000 seeking other medical services for dog bites.
Who Is Most Likely To Be Bitten?
Although anyone can be bitten by a dog, children and elderly are the most likely victims of dog bite accidents.
According to the CDC, children are the most common victims of dog bites. Most dog bites affecting children happen with familiar dogs during everyday activities.
The AVMA findings shared by the Texas DSHS further state that almost half of dog bite victims are children under the age of 12.
The AVMA also states that people 70 and older make up about 10 percent of those bitten and 20 percent of fatalities from dog bites.
Holding Dog Owners Accountable
Dog owners have a reasonable responsibility to keep people safe when around their dogs, especially those who know they have an aggressive dog. Those who own dogs that have bitten someone before and fail to take reasonable measures from preventing a future attack may be held liable.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit is one way to hold negligent dog owners accountable. Through a personal injury lawsuit, Longview dog bite victims may be able to recover such damages as:
- Hospital bills
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a dog bite, it may be possible to recover compensation for your injuries as well as pain and suffering. To discuss your claim, please call our Longview office at (903) 297-8929 or contact us online.
