Any dog can bite. From small toy poodles to St. Bernards, dogs can sink their teeth into an unsuspecting human victim. The Center For Disease Control (CDC) released a study that estimates 4.5 million dog bites yearly, with 800,000 requiring immediate medical care.
Lives at risk
Pitbulls, in particular, are known to be savage in attacks; locking their jaw to sink their sharp teeth into flesh has given them a bad reputation. Some say it is deserved, while proponents claim the pitbull problem is overblown. The Canine Journal analyzed statistics from 2005 to 2020 that revealed that Pit Bulls killed 284 people, accounting for 65 percent of all dog-driven deaths. Americans lost their lives between 2005 and 2017, numbered 473.
Combining that statistic with Rottweilers and their track record of attacks reveals 76 percent of total dog-related fatalities. Additional breeds account for the following fatal attacks:
- German Shepherds – 20
- Mixed breeds – 17
- American Bulldog – 15
- Mastiffs – 14
- Husky – 13
Startling statistics
Considering the U.S. population is around 331 million (as of 2020), one out of every 73 people will be bitten by a canine. Overall, the Canine Journal estimated that 78 million dogs are in the United States, with 4.5 million dog bites. Of those attacks, 19 percent resulted in serious injuries, subsequently accounting for $530 trillion in insurance claims.
A dog attack can lead to catastrophic injuries beyond physical damage. Many victims, old and young, are left to deal with psychological injuries resulting from a phobia of dogs. While nothing can wind back the clock, help from an attorney can provide compensation and a sense of justice when it comes to negligent dog owners.