Getting attacked by a dog is a scary and traumatic experience. While it’s easy to see dogs as friendly companions, the reality is that dog bites are a serious issue, and many dogs are dangerous.

Dog bites can range from small nips to full-on attacks, often requiring hospitalization. This is especially concerning for young children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to severe injuries or infections.

It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with dog bites. As more households adopt dogs, taking preventative measures to reduce the risk of dog bites becomes increasingly important. By understanding the statistics and facts surrounding dog bites, we can better equip ourselves to prevent potential attacks and take action when one occurs.

If a dog has bitten you or someone you know, or if you simply have questions about dog bites, our law firm has compiled the most recent information for you.

Dog Bite Statistics in the United States

Dog bites are a serious public health issue in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, and 800,000 of those bites need medical attention. Furthermore, nearly 1,000 U.S. citizens require emergency care treatment for serious dog bite injuries each day, and about 12,480 citizens are hospitalized due to dog bite injuries annually.

Dog bite fatalities are rare but tragic, and several studies have been conducted to understand the factors contributing to these incidents. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that most fatal dog attacks involve unneutered male dogs and that children are more likely to be killed by dogs than adults. Sadly, 26 percent of all dog bite fatalities are children under the age of 2.

The AVMA also reports that dog bites are more likely to occur in the summer months and that children are more likely to be bitten on the head and neck than adults. Treatment for dog bites can be expensive, with the average cost of a dog bite-related hospital stay estimated at $18,200.

Breeds Most Likely to Bite

An extensive analysis of current research on dog bites and severe injuries was conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association, commonly known as AVMA. They found that no singular breed could be labeled the most dangerous.

According to their research, more reliable factors include the actions of the owner, the dog’s training, sex, whether or not they have been neutered, their location (urban or rural), and ownership trends over time and in different areas.

For instance, the AVMA highlighted that pit bull-type dogs are often implicated in severe and fatal attacks. According to one study, pit bulls were responsible for 69% of dog bite-related deaths in 2019, despite making up only 8% of the total U.S. dog population. However, the reason behind this is likely not related to the breed itself. It is more probable that these dogs are kept in specific high-risk neighborhoods and are typically owned by individuals who might use them for dog fights or have a history of criminal or violent behavior.

While all dogs have the potential to bite, certain breeds are more likely to bite than others.

Top 10 Most Fatal Dog Breeds (2005-2017 data)

  • Pit bull: 284 deaths, 65.6% of total
  • Rottweiler: 45 deaths, 10.4% of total
  • German shepherd: 20 deaths, 4.6% of total
  • Mixed-breed: 17 deaths, 3.9% of total
  • American bulldog: 15 deaths, 3.5% of total
  • Mastiff/Bullmastiff: 14 deaths, 3.2% of total
  • Husky: 13 deaths, 3.0% of total
  • Unknown/unreleased: 11 deaths, 2.5% of total
  • Labrador retriever: 9 deaths, 2.1% of total
  • Boxer: 7 deaths, 1.6% of total

The Cost of Dog Bite Claims in the U.S.

In 2022, homeowner insurance companies paid out $1,136 million to cover claims related to dog bites and injuries caused by dogs. This amount of money was disbursed for 17,597 claims nationwide, illustrating the severity and frequency of such incidents. The average cost per claim in 2022 was $64,555 – an increase of 31.7 percent.

While these figures may seem staggering, it’s important to remember that dog bites can cause significant damage, including severe physical injuries and disabilities, as well as emotional and financial distress for both the victim and their family. Courts consider numerous factors when determining the damages owed to victims of dog bites, reflecting the significant impact these incidents can have.

Contact Our Helena Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

If you or someone you love suffered an injury in a dog bite attack in Montana, you need an experienced dog bite injury lawyer on your side from the start. We know that dog bites can be severe and result in a lifetime of pain and suffering. Let Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar fight aggressively to get the money you need to pay for medical expenses, lost income, and more.

To learn more about your legal options, you can fill out a contact form on our website, and we can contact you, or you can call us now at 406-442-7830 and get your immediate questions answered.