Bite Statistics According to Dog Breed

Why Dog Bite Statistics Matter for Injury Victims

If you’ve never been injured by a dog, these statistics covering dog bites by breed might not seem relevant to you. But the reality is, this data can be critical for dog bite victims who decide to take legal action against negligent parties.

When victims understand trends among specific breeds, incident causes, and even reporting patterns of certain breeds, it gives victims a stronger foundation on which to build their case.

These statistics can help you:

• Build your claim.
• Anticipate the tactics that insurance companies might try to use against you.
• Help you develop the confidence and understanding of how to navigate a claim when negligence is a factor.

When you have tangible data to turn to, it makes it easier for you to prove and defend the extent of your injuries and the medical bills that followed because of these injuries. This makes it easier for you to fight for the compensation you’re entitled to.

Why Certain Dog Breeds Are Often Associated With Attacks

Across the board, reporting on dog bite injuries from credible agencies, including the Veterinary Medical Association and Centers for Disease Control, are consistent that Pitbulls are a top breed responsible for injuries and have the highest associations of fatalities related to dog bites. This is followed by Rottweilers and German Shepherds. This data is reflective of dog attacks relevant to the breed population.

Over the years, these statistics have filtered into the cultural social space, making it common knowledge that certain breeds, like Pitbulls and Rottweilers, are more closely associated with attacks than other dog breeds.

Some of the other factors that explain why some dog breeds are more often associated with attacks include the following:

Bite Force vs. Behavior Misunderstanding

One common misconception is that a dog’s bite force is what determines a dog’s danger level. But the reality is, some breeds, like Kangal or Mastiff, have some of the highest bite pressure, but they are not the most frequent biters.

Big dogs, like Pitbulls and Rottweilers, are more likely to be documented when an attack happens, even though they don’t have the highest bite pressure, because smaller dog bites are not always as prevalently reported.

Training, Ownership, and Environmental Factors

One of the more reliable indicators of predictable aggression includes how a dog is trained and the environmental factors it’s exposed to.

Dogs who are chained outdoors for long periods of time are more likely to be guarded, prone to fighting, and are poorly socialized with other dogs and even humans.

Negligent owners can also contribute to a dog’s level of aggressiveness and their potential for attacking.

Media Bias and Reporting Patterns

Media bias and reporting patterns also contribute to certain breeds being associated with higher levels of attack rates. Often, big dogs who attack are more likely to be reported than smaller dogs who attack.

Common Causes of Dog Bite Incidents

Most dog bites are preventable, and many times, it is human behaviors that trigger a dog bite incident. There are also predictable patterns that can determine whether a dog will attack or not.

Some of the common causes of dog bite incidents include:

• Territorial behavior: Dogs protecting a home, yard, or car.
• Fear or surprise: A startled dog, especially one that is sleeping or injured.
• Resource guarding: Aggression over food, toys, or puppies.
• Poor leash handling: Owners unable to control a strong dog in public.
• Unsupervised children: Kids who approach unfamiliar dogs, pull ears or tails, or run and scream near a tethered animal.

What To Do After a Dog Bite Injury

If you or a loved one have been involved in a dog bite incident or suffered an injury, acting quickly is essential.

Here’s what to do after a dog bite injury:

Get Medical Attention Immediately

You should see a doctor for a dog bite immediately after the injury, even if you do not think the dog bite or injury is severe. Even minor-looking bites can quickly become infected and lead to other health issues.

Getting assessed by a medical provider allows you to get your wound cleaned, and provides a trail of documentation for you, if you do take legal action down the road.

Report the Incident

Reporting the incident to local animal control or law enforcement allows you to have a documented case of your injury. This official report can help track a dog’s vaccination history, quarantine status, and set the foundation for a legal case, if the dog were to attack again in the future.

Document Evidence for a Claim

Take pictures of your injuries, the location, and even the dog, if it is visible. If there is any torn clothing or any evidence of the dog attack and injuries, document those as well.

Additionally, save receipts for medical treatment and any other out-of-pocket expenses you’ve incurred because of the injury.

Avoid Speaking With Insurance Companies Alone

Never speak with insurance company representatives alone, as they can use your words against you to minimize your claim.

Seeking out the support of an experienced dog bite attorney first can help you protect yourself when dealing with insurance companies.

When Dog Bite Injuries Become a Legal Case

When there is significant physical injury and/or psychological harm, a dog bite injury can turn into a personal injury legal case.

Victims pursue legal action as a way to recover compensation related to the medical and psychological care they receive after a dog bite injury.

When To Contact a Dog Bite Attorney

If you’ve been injured by a dog bite and have suffered losses, like compensation because of medical care you’ve required, you may be able to recover compensation from the negligent parties involved. Contact a dog bite lawyer in Las Vegas to learn more about your legal rights and options.

Talk to a Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you’re unsure whether you have a case, you can reach out to our law firm for additional guidance and support. Through our free case evaluations, you can get a better understanding of the strength of your case and legal options that might be available to you. Reach out today to schedule your no-obligation, free case consultation.

Speak with a dog bite lawyer today.