Americans are very attached to their dogs, which are often times well-behaved and their owners trust they won’t cause problems. However, 74.8 million dogs will at one point have a moment when they are angered or frightened, potentially leading to a dog bite. Around 1,000 individuals each day get emergency medical care for a dog bite wound, many of whom are young or elderly. Financial losses due to medical expenses equal $1 billion each year. Homeowner’s insurance policies cover over $300 million.
Around 17 people died each year during the ‘80s and ‘90s due to dog attacks. The amount of attacks seems to be on the rise, in 2007 there were 33 deaths, and in 2008 there were 23 and 30 in 2009. There is an estimated one fatal attack per 151,000 dog bites. A dog bite claim with insurance was usually worth $16,600 in 2002, that rose to $21,200 in 2005, and again in 2006 to $24,511. This cost will continue to rise, considering the increasing costs of health care. Not only is initial care for the wound is required, scar tissue reduction and plastic surgery are also needed later.
50% of dog bites occur on the owner’s property, and in 77% of cases dog bites happen to a family or friend. And in two-thirds of cases, the dog has never been aggressive before the incident. Research conducted from 1982-2006 show the top aggressive breeds likely to maim or kill as pit bulls, Rottweilers and Presa Canarios.
As a personal injury lawyer, I hope owners have their dogs properly trained in order to avoid an attack. If you or a loved one would like your case assessed by a dog bite lawyer, discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer Los Angeles. You are better safe than sorry when it comes to an aggressive dog, especially when it comes to preventing an attack like the one which caused the Dr. Phil lawsuit.
