How Dangerous Are Dog Bites?

Every year, tens of millions of dog bite injuries occur all over the world, ranging from minor nips to life-altering wounds. These incidents can happen anywhere: in parks, on sidewalks, or even in the comfort of someone’s home.

Dog bites can inflict serious injuries, including deep puncture wounds, torn flesh, and even fractures. The consequences of dog bites go far beyond physical pain. Infections, diseases, emotional trauma, and financial burdens often follow these incidents, affecting victims and their families profoundly.

Negligent pet owners also contribute to dog bite incidents. Many of these issues are preventable with responsible practices, such as consistent training, early socialization, and ensuring that dogs are leashed when walked outside. Understanding the risks associated with dog bites is essential to reducing these preventable incidents and protecting people and dogs alike.

The Dangers Of Dog Bites

There are an estimated 700 million dogs worldwide, and about 75% are free-roaming, meaning only 25% are domesticated and actively cared for. Multiple studies show that most dog bite incidents involve dogs that have owners. Data from the California Department of Public Health reveals that between 2006 and 2010, 77% of reported animal bites were caused by domesticated dogs.

An in-depth analysis of 1,724 bite reports revealed that pet dogs pose a greater risk than strays. Owned dogs were more likely than strays to bite more frequently, target the head and neck, and cause injuries that required emergency care. They were also generally larger.

Dog bites also expose victims to infections and illnesses. Dogs are known carriers of zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from vertebrate animals to humans. Rabies remains one of the most concerning viral zoonotic diseases transmitted through bites. Although not all dogs carry rabies, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that rabies causes tens of thousands of deaths annually, with 40% of victims being children under 15 years old.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 81 fatal dog bites and attacks in the United States in 2021. This figure represents a staggering 131% increase compared to 2018 and a 69% rise from 2019. In 2023, a non-profit organization documented at least 58 fatalities from dog bites, showing that the issue remains a serious concern.

According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the annual mortality rate from dog bites in the United States is 7.1 per 100 million people, with children aged 10 and under accounting for about 57% of these deaths. Meanwhile, the CDC revealed that nearly 1 in 5 dog bite victims require medical treatment. Dog bites cause an average of 337,103 emergency department visits each year in the country. Children are disproportionately affected, with more cases reported among them than among adults.

Children are especially vulnerable to severe dog bites because they have less strength and a slower reaction time to escape. Their smaller size often places their face, head, or neck within reach of the dog, potentially leading to severe injuries that require immediate medical attention.

Many incidents injuring children happen in places where they should be safe, such as daycares or schools. If a daycare fails to provide proper supervision or allows unsafe contact with animals, the risk of daycare injuries like dog bites increases. These injuries can cause lasting physical and emotional harm.

Common Injuries Dog Bite Victims Sustain

Dog bites can happen without warning, leading to injuries ranging from minor cuts to severe trauma. The severity depends on the dog’s size and strength, and the situation surrounding the attack. Victims may also be injured by falling or tripping while trying to escape the dog.

Some of the most common bodily injuries associated with dog bite attacks include:

• Bruises, cuts, and lacerations
• Tendon damage
• Back injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Head injuries
• Eye injuries
• Neck injuries

Dog bites, regardless of their severity, should be taken seriously. Immediate medical care is essential for:

• Preventing Infection — Thorough wound cleaning and antibiotics may be required to stop bacteria from spreading.
• Assessing the Damage — A healthcare provider can evaluate the wound for underlying injuries, such as fractures or tendon damage.
• Vaccination — If the dog’s vaccination status is unknown, rabies prophylaxis or a tetanus booster may be necessary.
• Minimizing Scarring and Disfigurement — Early intervention can improve wound healing and reduce the likelihood of long-term scarring.

Common Types Of Diseases And Infections From Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause pain, trauma, and significant emotional distress for victims. Beyond the immediate injuries, dog bites often carry a greater health risk due to the potential transmission of bacteria and viruses. Dog bites can lead to a range of diseases and infections. Some are mild and treatable, while others can escalate into serious or even life-threatening conditions.

• Rabies — Rabies is a deadly viral disease that affects mammals’ central nervous systems, including humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. However, it is preventable through prompt medical care and regular vaccinations for pets.
• Tetanus — Tetanus is a severe bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani. The bacteria produce a potent toxin called tetanospasmin, which affects the nervous system and causes painful muscle stiffness and spasms. Tetanus can be life-threatening if left untreated, but it is preventable through vaccination. Symptoms may include lockjaw, which can interfere with breathing and be potentially dangerous. Other symptoms may include:
  • Fevers
  • Headaches
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Stomach spasms
  • Heart rate and blood pressure changes
  • Seizures
• Cellulitis — Many dogs carry bacteria like Pasteurella multocida and Pasteurella canis in their mouths. In humans, these bacteria can lead to cellulitis, an infection that spreads quickly, especially in children. If left untreated, it can lead to serious issues like:
  • Eye infections
  • Pneumonia
  • Blood infections
  • Meningitis
  • Joints, bones, and tendons infections
  • Urinary tract infections
• Staph and Strep Infections — Staph and strep infections refer to bacterial infections caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria, respectively. These bacteria are commonly found on the skin or in dogs’ mouths and can be introduced into the body through a bite. Symptoms may include joint swelling, blisters, boils, and fever.
• Sepsis — Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body has an extreme immune response to an infection. In the case of dog bites, bacteria introduced into the wound can enter the bloodstream and trigger widespread inflammation, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and potentially death if untreated.

How Is Dog Bite Strength Measured?

Bite pressure and bite force are terms often used interchangeably, yet they measure different aspects of a dog’s bite. Bite pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), while bite force is quantified in Newtons.

What Does PSI Stand For In Dog Bites?

PSI stands for pounds per square inch, which measures the pressure a dog’s jaws put on a single square inch of surface area during a bite. It’s calculated by dividing the total force of the bite by the area it affects.

While PSI gives an idea of the pressure involved, it doesn’t fully measure the total force behind the bite, which depends on the dog’s jaw strength. Even so, it is a helpful way to compare bite strength between different dog breeds. A dog’s breed, size, temperament, and what it’s biting all affect its PSI.

According to some studies, the Kangal Shepherd holds the record for the strongest dog bite, with a reported bite pressure of 743 PSI. This Turkish breed is renowned for its strength and large size, making it well-suited for guarding livestock, such as sheep, from predators.

Signs A Dog Bite Is Serious

While some bites may appear harmless at first glance, they can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Even minor wounds have the potential to introduce harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of infection, tissue damage, or other medical issues. Here’s how to identify when a dog bite requires urgent care:

• Bleeding — A dog bite that causes significant or uncontrollable bleeding should be treated as an emergency. Apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage to stem the blood flow. Seek immediate medical attention.
• Pain, Tingling, or Stinging — Pain, tingling, or a stinging sensation at the bite site could indicate underlying damage to nerves or tissues. These sensations may also signal the early stages of an infection. Pay attention to worsening pain, swelling, or redness, as these are additional signs of potential complications.
• Deep Wounds — Puncture wounds or deep lacerations are particularly concerning, as they are more likely to damage bones, nerves, or tendons. If the wound is deep, it should be cleaned and evaluated by a medical professional to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.
• Broken Bones — A vicious dog bite can break a bone. Treatment is necessary to fix a fractured bone and avoid mobility issues in the future.
• Debris in the Wound — Dog bites can leave debris such as teeth fragments, fur, food particles, or dirt. The presence of foreign objects increases the risk of infection and slows healing.
• Mobility Issues — Difficulty moving the affected area or stiffness around the wound may indicate that nerves, tendons, or bones have been damaged. In severe cases, a dog bite can injure major nerves or the spinal area, potentially leading to paralysis or long-term loss of function in the affected limb.

When To Seek Immediate Medical Help After A Dog Bite

Prompt action can prevent infections and complications that might become life-threatening. Here are key instances when you should seek medical attention after a dog bite:

• If You Have a Compromised Immune System — Immunocompromised individuals are more at risk of getting infections or complications from dog bites. If you have certain conditions, you should inform the medical staff once you come in for a dog bite. Doing so will help ensure you receive the proper care tailored to your needs.
• If the Dog is not up to Date With Vaccinations — If an unfamiliar dog bites you, there’s a chance its vaccinations, especially for rabies, may not be current. Regardless of how serious the bite is, you should go to the hospital to get checked. Depending on the situation, you may need post-exposure treatment to prevent infection from rabies, tetanus, or other bacteria.
• If the Dog Showed Strange Behavior Before the Bite — If the dog that bit you showed unusual behavior, it may have rabies. Common signs include aggression, drooling, or sensitivity to light, sound, or touch.

Dog Bite Treatment

If a dog bites you at home, you can perform first aid treatment. For example, you can:

• Stop the Bleeding — Place a clean towel or gauze to stop the wound from bleeding.
• Elevate the Injured Area — This is to help prevent the wound from swelling or bruising.
• Wash Your Hands — Before cleaning your wound, ensure your hands are clean to prevent infection.
• Clean the Bite Wound — Carefully clean your wound using soap and warm water to flush away dirt or bacteria. It is ideal to wash the wound in running water for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Apply Antibacterial Ointment — Antibacterial or antibiotic ointment may reduce the risk of infection.
• Seek Medical Help — To ensure your safety, have your wound checked by a doctor, especially if the bite is on your neck, head, face, hand, fingers, or feet.

Treatment Options

In severe dog bite cases, where the wound is deep or extensive, a physician will evaluate the damage to determine if nerves, muscles, or bones have been affected. Based on the findings, appropriate steps will be taken to treat the injury and prevent complications such as infection. Depending on the severity and circumstances of the bite, the following treatments may be necessary:

• A tetanus shot
• Stitches
• Prescribed oral antibiotics
• Post-exposure rabies prophylaxis (PEP)

Rabies is highly uncommon in dogs in the United States. However, if the dog’s status is undetermined or it tests positive, PEP may be necessary. It involves wound cleansing and administering human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) and a four-dose series of vaccines.

CDC guidelines suggest that in cases of dog bites with potential infections like Capnocytophaga, healthcare providers may initiate treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics as a precautionary measure. This allows for prompt intervention while diagnostic tests are conducted to determine the most effective and targeted antibiotic therapy.

If the patient has a strep or staph infection, the doctor may need to drain the area surrounding the bite. They may also provide medications to stop the infection from spreading. Meanwhile, antibacterial medications, such as penicillin and amoxicillin, are used for cellulitis patients for a duration of 7 to 10 days.

In some cases, dog bites can leave disfiguring injuries, such as when the animal bites the victim’s face or neck. When the condition is severe, plastic surgery may be necessary.

Dog Owner’s Responsibility

Dog bite liability laws vary across jurisdictions, but most hold owners accountable if their dog injures someone. In states like California, dog bite incidents fall under strict liability rules. This means the dog’s owner is legally responsible for damages caused by the bite, regardless of whether:

• The dog had a history of aggressive behavior.
• The owner knew the dog could potentially harm someone.

Strict liability applies to incidents that occur on both public and private property. Victims of dog bites in these states have the right to sue the dog’s owner for compensation.

Currently, sixteen states, such as Alaska, Texas, and Idaho, follow the “one-bite rule.” Under this rule, a dog essentially gets “one free bite.” The owner is not liable for the first bite unless it can be proven that they knew or should have known the dog had a history of aggression or was likely to cause harm. In these states, liability hinges on proving that:

• The dog had previously bitten someone or displayed aggressive tendencies.
• After becoming aware of its behavior, the owner failed to take reasonable steps to control or restrain the dog.

In some cases, a victim may have a valid reason to file a negligence claim. This means showing that the dog owner didn’t take reasonable care in managing or controlling their dog and that this failure directly caused the victim’s injuries. Additionally, the legal concept of negligence per se may apply if the dog owner breaks a specific law, like leash or vaccination requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Do I Do If A Dog Bites Me?

If a dog bites you, you should move away from the animal or go to a safer location and immediately do the following:

1. Wash the wound. Use mild soap and run warm tap water over it for five to 10 minutes.
2. Slow down the bleeding with a clean cloth.
3. Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic cream if you have it.
4. Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage.
5. See your doctor and change the bandage several times daily once your physician examines the wound.

Bonus Tip: Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, increased pain, and fever.

If the dog’s owner is within the vicinity, ask them to secure their pet. You should also get their contact information and request the dog’s vaccination records. While some dog bites may seem minor, it is best to go to a doctor and get preventative treatments. You should prioritize your well-being above all else. You may also consider consulting dog bite lawyers to pursue compensation for your medical bills and pain and suffering.

What Damages Are Recoverable From A Dog Bite Injury?

Victims of dog bites can seek monetary and non-monetary damages resulting from the incident. Here are some examples of recoverable damages:

• Medical Bills — Your compensation could cover your urgent care visit, doctor’s appointment, and vaccination costs, including your prescription medications. The treatments you get would entirely depend on your physician’s treatment plan. It may also pay for other extensive procedures, if necessary, such as physical therapy, reconstructive surgery, and chiropractic care.
• Lost Wages — If you miss work due to your dog bite injuries, you could seek reimbursement for the amount you would have earned in that specific period.
• Non-Economic Damages — Dog bites may cause intangible losses, such as psychological distress, mental anguish, post-traumatic stress disorder, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Apart from these damages, you may also file a wrongful death claim if you lost a loved one due to a dog bite.

Since calculating and proving these damages can be complex, many victims and surviving families work with experienced injury attorneys. They can help you understand your rights, gather necessary evidence, and pursue the compensation available under California law.

Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer For My Dog Bite Case?

While not all dog bite incidents require legal action, some situations may necessitate filing a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your losses. A personal injury lawyer can help you seek damages after a dog bite. Your personal injury attorney can help you with the following:

• Investigating your dog bite incident and collecting necessary documents, such as the dog’s veterinary records.
• Identifying who may be liable for your injuries and the damages you incurred.
• Helping you understand your rights in these kinds of situations.
• Filing the insurance claim on your behalf so you can focus on your recovery.
• Negotiating with the insurance company to help you seek compensation that covers your losses.
• Representing you in court, if needed, especially when settlement negotiations fall through.

The legal services provided by personal injury and dog bite lawyers may overlap. Most personal injury attorneys also handle dog bite cases. However, consider consulting with lawyers who specifically have experience handling dog bite cases to help you pursue a settlement.

What Is The Average Settlement For A Dog Bite Injury Claim?

There is no average settlement for a dog bite injury claim. Its value can vary widely based on the case’s specific circumstances, including the severity of the bite, the victim’s age and health, and the overall impact on their life. You can reach out to our personal injury law firm and have one of our dog bite lawyers estimate the potential value of your claim.

Arash Law Takes Dog Bites Seriously, And So Should You

If you suffered injuries from a dog bite, you should seek immediate medical attention. Aside from receiving life-saving treatments, taking legal action against the dog owner may also be necessary to help you seek compensation for your injuries. Our experienced dog bite attorneys at Arash Law can help you navigate the claims process and advocate for the compensation you deserve under state law. As an established California personal injury law firm, we have helped our clients pursue settlements and awards commensurate with the facts of their cases.

You can ask our team to help you pursue the compensation you may deserve, and we do so on a contingency fee basis. Clients won’t have to pay upfront fees to get qualified legal representation from our dog bite attorneys. Our success depends directly on theirs, so they owe us nothing in attorney’s fees unless we help them recover compensation. However, clients may be responsible for litigation costs and expenses regardless of the outcome. Contact us today at (888) 488-1391 or complete our online contact form for a free case review.

Our team at Arash Law serves injured victims across California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, and other cities. Known for our experienced car accident lawyers, we also offer comprehensive legal support to victims of wildfires, hit-and-runs, DUIs, truck collisions, rideshare incidents, slip-and-falls, motorcycle crashes, and pedestrian and bicycle accidents. Let us put that experience to work to help you pursue the compensation you may legally deserve.