Dog bite wounds make up thousands of injuries each year, with around 1,000 U.S. citizens requiring emergency care for bites each day. With bites happening this often, it’s important that you stand up for yourself if you’re bitten. Owners of these animals know that their pets can’t behave in this manner, and if you’ve been attacked, it’s their responsibility to make sure the dog is kept away from others it could harm. The owner may also be held liable for your injuries, so you can seek compensation that will help you cover the costs of recovery.
The fact is that a 2009 report showed that 19 breeds of dogs led or contributed to the deaths of 88 people between 2006 and 2008. Of those, Rottweilers accounted for 14 percent of bites, while 59 percent of the attacks came from pit bulls. That doesn’t mean that these dogs are inherently dangerous in all situations, but the dogs in these statistics show how violent and dangerous these common family pets can be.
It can cost a lot to cover the treatment of a dog bite. It’s around $18,200 on average — as of a 2008 report — to treat a dog bite victim’s wounds. Sadly, it’s highly likely that it will be children who are attacked, with 42 percent, as of 2001, being attacks that involved a child age 14 or younger.
Dog bites are preventable, and you shouldn’t have to worry about your safety. Our website has more information on these attacks and what you can do if you’ve become a victim.