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Each year, millions of people worldwide are affected by dog bites. These incidents can range from minor scratches to serious injuries, with some leading to tragic outcomes and long-term effects on those affected and their families.
Dog bites can occur in unexpected situations, such as while playing with a neighbor’s dog, petting a friend’s new puppy, or walking down the street. Any dog, regardless of size, breed, or temperament, may bite if it feels frightened, stressed, or provoked. Fortunately, many of these incidents can be prevented with proper awareness and understanding of canine behavior.
A dog’s behavior is often a reflection of its upbringing, environment, and experiences. Owner negligence, whether through poor training, lack of socialization, or unsafe handling, plays a significant role in the high number of bites reported each year.
How Many Dog Bites In A Year?
Dog bites are a public health issue that affects approximately 4.5 million people annually in the United States. Of these, approximately 900,000 require medical care, according to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These figures align closely with previous CDC estimates of 4.7 million dog bite cases and 800,000 victims needing medical attention each year.
However, these figures are just estimates based on available data at the time. It’s certainly possible that many cases go unreported, affecting the CDC’s calculations. Unfortunately, there’s no way to determine an accurate count of dog bite cases in the U.S., says Jim Crosby, a research associate at Harvard University’s Canine Aggression Project. According to him, this would require compiling information from multiple independent sources, such as hospital records, health department reports, and insurance claims.
While the CDC estimates suggest a decline in dog bite cases, some experts argue the numbers may be rising. According to USA Today, Crosby and his colleagues attribute this to the surge in pet adoptions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A survey by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) found that 23 million households adopted pets during this time. However, lockdowns often limit proper socialization for dogs, increasing risks of anxiety, fear, and aggression, which are the main factors in dog bites. Experts also warn that the rush to meet demand led some shelters and breeders to place dogs too quickly, including those with behavioral issues, exacerbating risks. Addressing these challenges is crucial to reducing incidents in the future.
How Many Dog Bite Deaths Per Year?
According to the CDC’s WONDER database, an average of nearly 65 people died each year in the U.S. as a result of getting bitten or struck by a dog between 2018 and 2022. Throughout this period, a total of 324 lives were lost, with the numbers steadily increasing each year. What’s particularly alarming is that nearly a third of all these cases only happened within a year.</p
We found that older people, along with children, are the most vulnerable age groups in our five-year analysis of the CDC’s WONDER database. However, it’s important to remember that dog bite incidents can affect people of all ages.
Here are some notable statistics and trends:
- In 2018, dog bite-related deaths reached a five-year low at 35. Yet, alarm bells ring as family dogs accounted for 26 of these tragedies. Disturbingly, 18 cases involved beloved family pets turning fatal against their own.
- In 2019, dog bite accidents resulted in 48 fatalities. Notably, 63% of these incidents involved multiple dogs, a significant increase from the 14-year average (2005-2018) of 45%.
- In 2020, the CDC logged 62 tragic deaths from dog bites. Stay-at-home orders during the pandemic likely played a role in this rise. As families hunkered down, the opportunity for perilous encounters grew. More time at home meant more proximity between people and dogs, fostering risks.
- In 2021, 27 victims tragically lost their lives at home due to dog bites or strikes, while 40 fatalities occurred in medical facilities.
- In 2022, 98 people tragically lost their lives in dog-related incidents, the highest number recorded by the CDC in a single year. This figure represents a staggering 180% increase over the past five years and a 20% rise from 2021.
Alarming Facts About Fatal Dog Bite Incidents
Fatal dog bite incidents are a serious and tragic public safety concern that affects individuals and families across the country. While most interactions with dogs are positive, these devastating events highlight the importance of prioritizing safety and responsible pet ownership.
The impact of fatal dog bite incidents goes beyond physical harm, often leaving deep emotional scars on families, communities, and even the owners of the dogs involved. Contributing factors may include inadequate socialization, miscommunication dogs, or sudden changes in a dog’s environment that provoke unexpected behavior.
To better understand the severity and scope of this issue, here are some alarming facts about fatal dog bite cases:
There Is A 1 In 43,882 Chance Of Dying From A Dog Attack
In the U.S., dying from a dog attack is more common than getting struck by lightning or in a plane crash, according to 2022 mortality data. To put this in perspective, you are about 472 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident or from a fall.
Most Of The Dogs Involved In Fatal Incidents Were Not Family Pets
According to the National Canine Research Council (NCRC), from 2000 to 2015, 70.4% of dog bite-related fatalities involved dogs that were not primarily family pets but were instead “resident dogs.” These dogs are typically kept outside, in a yard or kennel. They may not receive the same level of social interaction, training, or care as those integrated into the family unit.
Over 75% Of Fatal Dog Bite Incidents Involve Multiple Preventable Risk Factors.
A study by the NCRC revealed that 75.5% of fatal dog bite incidents over 16 years were linked to at least four out of the seven risk factors below, all of which are potentially preventable.
- There was no one around who could stop the dog.
- The victim didn’t know the dog well or at all.
- The dog was not neutered by its owner.
- The victim couldn’t interact with the dog in the right way.
- The dog was kept away from regular friendly interactions with people, unlike family dogs.
- The dog’s owner didn’t take proper care of it in the past.
- The dog had a history of being abused or neglected by its owner.
Dog Bites Are Among The Leading Causes Of Animal-Related Deaths
From 2018 to 2020, dog bite-related incidents accounted for 145 lives lost, while attacks by other mammals resulted in 249 fatalities. By 2021, incidents involving dog bites or attacks led to 81 deaths, surpassing the 66 lives lost to attacks from other mammals. In 2022, there were 98 dog-related fatalities, making dog bites and attacks the leading cause of animal-related casualties.
Older Adults Are Particularly Vulnerable To Fatal Dog Attacks
According to CDC statistics, older adults face a heightened risk of fatal injuries from dog attacks. An analysis of 2022 data from WONDER revealed that out of the 324 dog attack fatalities, victims aged 55 to 64 accounted for the highest percentage, making up 17.5% (57 deaths). Victims aged 65 to 74 are the second most vulnerable group, comprising 16% (52) of the total.
Infants And Toddlers Are The Most Common Child Victims Of Fatal Dog Bites
Very small children are especially vulnerable to fatal dog attacks. Of the 57 children under the age of nine killed in dog bite-related cases, 72% (41) were aged three years or younger.
Dog Bite Fatality Statistics Per Breed
A dog’s breed doesn’t always determine whether it will be aggressive or not. Various factors, including genetics, environment, training, and socialization, influence a dog’s behavior. While some breeds may have certain characteristics or tendencies, any dog can become aggressive under specific circumstances.
Nevertheless, specific breeds appear more prominently in reported fatal dog attacks. In a CDC study covering incidents from 1979 to 1996, pit bulls accounted for 60 deaths. Rottweilers followed with 29 cases, while German Shepherds were linked to 19.
These breeds also appeared prominently in a more recent study. DogsBite.org compiled a similar report that looked at fatal attacks in the U.S. from 2005 to 2017. Here’s a table showing the top 10 breeds involved in the deaths of 433 Americans during this period:
Breed | Number of Deaths Attributed to Breed | Percentage of Total Deaths Attributed to Breed |
Pit Bull | 284 | 65.6% |
Rottweiler | 45 | 10.4% |
German Shepherd | 20 | 4.6% |
Mixed-Breed | 17 | 3.9% |
American Bulldog | 15 | 3.5% |
Mastiff/Bullmastiff | 14 | 3.2% |
Husky | 13 | 3% |
Unknown/Unreleased | 11 | 2.5% |
Labrador Retriever | 9 | 2.1% |
Boxer | 7 | 1.6% |
The Reality Of Dog Bite Fatality Cases
Dog bites can happen at any time, and tragically, they can sometimes lead to serious injuries or even fatalities. Some of these could happen seemingly out of nowhere. Even a friendly family pet can become scared and protective if it feels in danger. A dog that’s running away might act unexpectedly and scare someone walking by. While these situations can be unsettling, these are realities that can happen to anyone.
- A four-year-old boy was mauled to death by a neighbor’s dog while riding his bike into their yard. According to the police statement, the boy had several previous interactions with the dog, which was known to have no history of aggression.
- In South Georgia, a pack of dogs attacked a 35-year-old woman and her three children. The children survived, but the mother did not.
- A three-month-old baby was killed in New Jersey, while a six-week-old was attacked to death while napping in his crib by a family pet with no history of aggression. A one-month-old baby in Los Angeles also died after getting bitten by a family dog.
- A Northern California woman went out for a walk along Blackhawk Trail but never came back. Investigations revealed that she was assaulted by a pack of domestic dogs, as evidenced by the numerous bite marks and injuries found on her body.
- In Visalia, a dog attacked a man, who was sent to the hospital for medical attention. Unfortunately, the victim died from his injuries.
Dog bite fatalities can happen in all kinds of unexpected situations, which shows why it’s so important to be careful around these pets and understand how to interact with them safely. Even if an incident doesn’t result in death, it can still cause serious and lasting injuries.
Dog Bite Injury Statistics
While fatalities are the most devastating outcome of a dog bite, many victims suffer injuries that can significantly impact their lives. According to the CDC, non-fatal dog bite injuries sent 395,036 people to the emergency room in 2022. A closer look at that year’s data from the Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) reveals that:
- 12,816 were hospitalized.
- 361,862 were treated and released.
- 5,063 were transferred.
- 15,295 were observed, left against medical advice, or unknown.
In California alone, dog bites led to nearly 48,600 ER visits, the highest number recorded in the state in at least 18 years. Interestingly, counties with populations under 200,000 had incident rates almost 50% higher than other areas.
Notably, men are more likely than women to go to the ER for dog bite injuries, but only marginally. According to WISQARS data, 51% of dog bite-related emergency room cases nationally were reported by males, whereas females reported 49%.
Dog bites can cause various injuries, like deep cuts, broken bones, or puncture wounds, that might require a trip to the ER. Even a minor bite that breaks the skin could need medical attention, especially if the dog is behaving unusually. In rare cases, this could indicate rabies, which can be transmitted through a dog’s saliva.
Rabies is an illness that has a virtually 100% fatality rate once symptoms appear, but the California Department of Public Health states that deaths are also 100% preventable with timely intervention. Make sure you receive prompt medical attention after a dog bite, whether in the ER or an urgent care facility. A doctor can assess if you need rabies shots and other preventive measures, like a tetanus injection.
Dog Bite Injuries In Children
One study examined dog bite injuries among children in the United States from 2015 to 2020, focusing on patients under 18 who were treated in the hospital. The study found that around 8% of all patients required surgical intervention, especially in cases where the head or multiple body parts were injured.
The head or face was the common location of bites, affecting 62.1% of all victims. The cheeks, lips, and eyes were the most frequently affected areas. This trend was especially pronounced in toddlers, with 82.5% of children aged three years or younger sustaining facial injuries. Researchers attributed this finding to the smaller size of young children, which places their faces closer to a dog’s mouth.
As children grow older, the likelihood of head or facial injuries from dog bites decreases. Teens aged 16 to 18 had the lowest percentage of head injuries, with less than 30% affected. Meanwhile, 40.9% of patients older than 13 years old were treated for upper extremity injuries. The study suggests that the possible reason behind this pattern is that older children are more likely to instinctively use their arms and hands to shield themselves during an attack, which increases the risk of limb injuries instead of head injuries.
Dog Bites Caused By Family Pets
According to the CDC, the risk of getting bitten increases with the number of dogs in the home. Adults living with two or more dogs are five times more likely to get bitten compared to those without pets. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean someone with dogs is at constant risk of danger. A dog bite isn’t always an act of aggression. It can occur during everyday interactions, often as a reaction to fear, stress, or misunderstanding.
Even family pets can sometimes pose risks to visitors. While a dog may be calm and friendly with its family, it might act territorial around unfamiliar people, such as delivery workers or guests. According to the U.S. Postal Service, dog attacks on postal workers totaled 5,800 cases in 2023, which is about the same as the number of mail carriers attacked by dogs in 2020.
While these statistics show potential risks of dog bite injuries, owning dogs doesn’t have to be unsafe. Being a responsible pet owner by providing proper training, creating a safe and loving environment, and understanding your dog’s behavior can greatly reduce the chances of a dog bite.
Insurance Claims And The Costs Of Dog Bite Incidents
Dog bites can have serious consequences, leaving victims with physical injuries and financial challenges. Severe cases may result in mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing treatment costs. Filing a dog bite injury claim can help victims recover compensation for these hardships.
To get a clearer picture of how common dog bite cases are and the extent of damages they cause, we can look at recent statistics about dog bite liability claims by the Insurance Information Institute (III):
$1.1 Billion Paid
Homeowners insurance paid out over one billion in dog bite and dog-related injury claims. To give you an idea of how much money that is, let’s just say this amount can buy a tall brewed Starbucks coffee for everyone in the United States, which has a current population of 337 million people.
8.3% Increase In Dog Bite Claims
In 2023, the total number of dog bite claims reached 19,062, an 8.3% increase from 17,597 in 2022. This is one indication that these types of incidents are increasing, but it’s not enough to say that for certain.
Average Cost Of $58,545 Per Claim Nationwide
The financial impact of dog bite injuries reached an average cost of $58,545 per claim, representing an 82.5% increase from 2014. The rise in the average payout for a dog bite is attributed to higher medical expenses and the growing size of settlements and jury awards for dog bite victims.
2,104 Claims In California
California had consistently reported the highest number of dog bite claims nationwide. In 2023, a total of 2,104 claims were filed in the state, which is more than the 1,954 cases in 2022. The average dog bite settlement reached $68,125, one of the highest in the country. Overall, the total value of all claims in the state amounted to $143.3 million.
These statistics underscore the significant financial impact that dog bites can have on victims and their families. If you sustained injuries from a dog bite, know that you have options that can help you get your life back on track. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation with our dog bite attorneys. We will help you get maximum compensation for all the losses you sustained.
What Dog Bite Survivors Face After The Incident
Dog bites can have impacts beyond financial challenges for victims. The experience may leave lasting physical, emotional, and psychological scars, affecting many aspects of their lives.
For a resident in Virginia, an attack she survived is forever engraved as white markings that stretch from her elbow to her wrist. According to USA Today, she almost lost her life when her landlady’s dogs mauled her, but a neighbor’s timely intervention prevented the worst-case scenario. The dogs still managed to rip her arm, but doctors were able to restore its function after two surgeries.
For some people who experience a severe dog bite attack, the effects can be life-altering. This incident might cause permanent disability, loss of function, severe disfigurement, or even amputation. In addition to physical challenges, it can also lead to emotional impacts like PTSD, depression, isolation, and distress.
This was the case for a victim in Pennsylvania who was attacked by dogs during her daily walk in 2022. After $12,000 in medical bills and two years of recovery, she is yet to heal completely from the incident and go back to her routine 3.5-mile walks. She tried to resume this activity in 2023, but overwhelming anxiety forced her to stop after just a mile.
These intangible effects of a dog bite are compensable in a personal injury claim. You don’t have to face them unprepared. Let our team of record-setting dog bite lawyers represent you. We’ll fight for a settlement that accurately reflects all the ways the incident affected your life.
What To Do If A Dog Bites You
Considering the alarming statistics about dog bite injuries and deaths, it’s crucial to take the right steps immediately after a dog bites you. Of course, protecting yourself comes first. If there’s still immediate danger, call 911 for emergency help. Once you’re in the clear, follow these steps if you’re able to:
- Collect the dog owner’s name, address, and phone number or email. Make sure to ask about their pet’s vaccination history as well.
- Take some photos or videos of your injuries, the dog, and your surroundings. If a street dog bites you, having a visual record of what it looks like can help authorities identify it more quickly.
- Clean the bite as best as you can with soap and warm water for at least 15 minutes, per the CDC. If there’s any open wound, cover it with a clean, dry bandage.
- Go to the ER immediately, especially if you have severe injuries or you’re not familiar with the dog that bit you. Even if you have a minor wound, it’s still a good idea to visit a doctor.
- Report the dog bite incident to your local animal control agency. If a stray bites you, they can investigate the accident, identify the dog and its owner, and take steps to prevent similar attacks from happening again.
- Contact a good lawyer who handles dog bites. They can explain your legal rights, assess if you have a valid claim for compensation, and guide you through your next steps. Call (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Dogs may bite for a variety of reasons, ranging from accidental nips during play to reactions triggered by stress or discomfort. For instance, a dog might unintentionally bite when you try to wrestle something from its mouth or when it becomes overly excited during playtime. They might also bite if they feel stressed, unsafe, or threatened. Injured or sick dogs might also lash out due to pain or discomfort, unable to cope with their physical condition.
In other cases, a dog bite happens because of territorial or resource-guarding behaviors. Dogs may instinctively react by lunging or nipping at what they see as a threat to their human family, home, food, puppies, or even toys.
Although it might seem like a dog bites out of nowhere, they usually give warning signs before acting aggressively, according to the ASPCA. They may growl, bark, or lunge to give you a chance to back off. When these signals are ignored, dogs may feel trapped and feel the need to bite.
What Can You Do To Prevent Dogs From Biting?
Dog bites are unpredictable, but they are often preventable. Here are some tips from the CDC to prevent dog bites:
- Don’t try to break up dog fights.
- Never assume someone’s dog is friendly. Always ask the owner if it’s okay to pet their dog first.
- Even if the owner allows you to pet their dog, don’t reach out right away. Let the dog approach you, get to know you, and get comfortable with you.
- Don’t approach loose dogs on the street. Call animal control instead.
- If a stray animal approaches you, remain calm and still. Avoid making eye contact and sudden movements. Wait for it to leave, or move away slowly.
If you have children, it’s essential to teach your kids how to prevent bites and interact with dogs safely. However, since young children may not fully grasp the potential dangers, always supervise their interactions with dogs.
Should I Report A Dog Bite?
If a dog bites you, report it to your local animal control agency right away. Dog bites are a community concern, and reporting an incident helps local authorities address potential risks. This may include assessing the situation or safely quarantining an animal if rabies is suspected.
Reporting a dog bite is mandatory, even if the dog is your friend’s and the wound is minor. If you’re concerned about what happens after you report a dog bite, officials will only take drastic measures if necessary for public safety.
Moreover, filing a report creates a record of the event. This documentation can prove useful when filing an insurance claim and seeking compensation for your injuries. Your dog bite lawyer can use it as evidence that the incident happened and that you were injured as a result.
Which Dog Breeds Are The Most Dangerous?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), no single breed can be reliably labeled as the most dangerous. Its in-depth review of existing studies on dog bites and injuries found that breed is not a reliable indicator of aggressive behavior. Rather, factors like the owner’s behavior, the dog’s environment, training, and whether the pet is neutered play a much greater role.
So, why are certain breeds more often linked to fatal attacks? AVMA’s review explains that it’s not really about the breed itself but more about the conditions in which these dogs are raised. A dog’s breed is not the only indication of potential aggressive behavior but rather the environment in which the dog was raised.
That being said, it’s still vital to be cautious around dogs you don’t know, regardless of what breed they are. Even something as seemingly harmless and adorable as a pomeranian has been involved in a fatal dog bite incident before.
If you’re seeking compensation for a dog bite injury, the breed may not matter in some cases. In states like California, which follow strict liability rules for dog bites, the owner can be held accountable for the victim’s damages regardless of their knowledge of their pet’s aggressive tendencies or history. You can discuss this with your dog bite attorney to learn more about what factors may affect your case.
Can You Sue For A Dog Bite?
Yes. If you or someone you love suffers injuries from a dog bite, you can most likely file a lawsuit, even for minor bites. However, bringing a case to court is often the last option. Your lawyer for dog bite cases will first try to settle the case by filing an insurance claim. If they succeed in negotiating a favorable settlement, there’s no need to go to trial.
However, there are times when suing the other party is the best option you have to get the compensation you deserve. If the insurance company isn’t cooperating or offering enough to cover all your expenses, your dog bite injury lawyer might suggest taking legal action. Ultimately, the decision to file a lawsuit is yours to make, with your lawyer’s guidance.
When Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer For A Dog Bite?
Ideally, you should contact an attorney specializing in dog bite cases immediately after receiving treatment for your injuries. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and ensure you take the right steps to protect your interests. Their legal expertise is invaluable in most cases, especially when you’re facing certain challenges, such as:
- You’re not sure who’s responsible for your dog bite.
- The owner is not cooperating or refusing to take responsibility for the accident.
- You’ve sustained severe injuries and incurred steep medical bills and other expenses as a result.
- You want to seek damages for the other damaging effects of the injury on your life, relationships, opportunities, and emotional and mental health.
You don’t have to hesitate to consult with an injury law firm. Our dog bite injury lawyers can give you free legal advice and help you decide on your best course of action. Similarly, you don’t have to worry about the costs of hiring a lawyer. Arash Law can take on your case with no upfront fees so that you can get quality legal representation without financial risks.
Contact Our Lawyers After A Dog Bite
Millions of dog bite cases occur each year, with hundreds of thousands of Americans being rushed to emergency rooms for injuries. Some might be able to go home without significant physical harm, while others could incur high hospitalization bills and require extensive treatments before they can even leave. Then, they have to face even more challenges, such as the loss of income due to missing work or the inability to perform basic tasks, depending on their injuries.
Each type of injury case requires a lawyer with specific experience to ensure the best possible outcome for the victim. Just as car accident victims seek the expertise of car accident lawyers to handle complex legal claims and secure rightful compensation, dog bite victims should turn to specialized dog bite attorneys who understand the unique laws and liability issues surrounding animal attacks. You deserve an advocate who understands what you’re going through and is ready to fight for your rights. At Arash Law, we are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you need to put your life back together.
As one of the biggest personal injury law firms in California, we have the resources and expertise needed to secure a favorable outcome for you. We have recovered over 500 million dollars for our clients. In one of the cases we’ve handled, our attorneys won $2.3 million for a client who sustained a traumatic brain injury due to a dog attack. We fought for the maximum policy limits of the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance because that’s what we believe our client deserved.
Learn more about how we can fight for you, too. Call (888) 488-1391 to schedule your free case evaluation! We’ll let you know if you have a case or not, with no obligation to sign.