Dog Bite Statistics
Statistics provided by the Federal government report that there are over 68 million dogs in the United States. Most of these dogs are harmless, friendly and loved companions. But when a dog attacks without warning, it becomes a serious predator that may cause serious injuries such as puncture wounds, broken bones, infections, amputations, or even death. If you have been the victim of a dog attack in Washington, you should consult with a skilled Seattle dog bite attorney immediately.
Approximately 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs and about twelve people die as the result of dog attacks every year.
With more than 31,000 people undergoing reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs in 2006, we can see that dog attacks are a threat to children and adults across the county.
With several Federal agencies tracking reported dog bites in the U.S., they have compiled data which estimates that over 385,000 emergency room visits per year and 6,000 hospitalizations are necessary due to dog bites in the United States. And according to that study, the medical bills for dog bite and dog attack patients may total in excess of $164 million annually.
People who are employed in certain fields of work can be at a greater risk for dog bites than others. For example, in 2007, more than 3,000 city and rural carriers were bitten by dogs throughout the United States.
A study by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2001 stated that of the 0.13 percent of Americans who went to hospitals that year for dog bites which were not fatal, 42 percent were under 14 years old.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study of fatal dog bites and found that 80 percent of the 25 dog bite deaths in 1995 and 1996 were the deaths of children under the age of 12. Just under fifty percent of the deaths which were included in the study involved unrestrained dogs that were off their owners’ property.
Many authorities involved in dog bite studies agree that despite their frequency, almost all dog bite injuries and fatal dog attack are preventable when the public is properly educated and dog owners act responsibly.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured by a dog attack in Tacoma, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the dog owner in an effort to seek monetary compensation for your injuries, suffering, and dog bite related medical expenses. Please contact the experienced Tacoma dog bite attorneys at Bernard Law Group today for a free consultation.
