Pets are an important part of many families across the country. Many families feel as though dogs are members of the family as they have been with them since they were born. What many people do not realize is that there are up to 4.5 million dog bite incidents every year. According to the Center for Disease Control, this number even seems to be rising. Some of these victims do not need medical attention after these attacks, but a large number have to visit the emergency room after this type of injury. Not only that, but there are also dozens of fatalities that take place every year when pets turn against a human. For those who have been injured or lost a loved one to this type of attack, it is important that they have all the information they need regarding dog bites as well as the compensation necessary to pay for medical treatment.
It is estimated that more than $1 billion is lost every year because of dog bites. This includes doctor bills, costs to insurance companies, and more. In one year, over 850,000 people will need some sort of medical attention and 350,000 people will receive serious enough injuries that they need to go to the emergency room. This number is high, but unfortunately, homeowners insurance does not always help the victims. Only about 3 out of every 1,000 victims are covered and able to claim compensation under their homeowners and renters insurance policies.
On average, those who receive compensation only are awarded approximately $20,000, not enough to cover medical bills in serious cases. Insurance companies are supposed to be there to protect individuals and families in their time of need; however, they are often reluctant to give them the help they deserve. It is often necessary to procure the help of a legal representative in order to ensure that your rights are protected.
The results of a dog bite can be minor or extremely serious. From bruising to mauling, it is important to have all the information you need regarding these cases. Dogs' teeth are more rounded than sharp, however, the force behind their jaws are able to exert a great amount of pressure on the affected area. One dog bite could lead to significant damage to skin, underlying tissues, muscles, veins, and nerves. This damage could be so extensive that surgery is necessary in order to reconstruct the surrounding area. Not only will you have to deal with this initial damage, but any subsequent infection as well. Dog bites can cause dangerous bacteria to be placed inside the wound, deep inside the tissue.
In the worst cases, the dog attacks can lead to a wrongful death case. Last year, there were 31 deaths in all that occurred as the result of a dog attack in the U.S. Many of these were pets turning on their owners and others were neighbor's dogs who unaccountably turned on someone in the area. With 71% of these deaths caused by pit bulls, they are by far the most dangerous dog in the U.S. Following pit bulls were Rottweilers with 13%. The remaining 3% of fatalities were caused by an Alaskan malamute, American bulldog, cane corso, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, and Japanese akita.
Many of the victims were young children or elders, those who were not as able to defend themselves when attacked. In other cases, it was a group of dogs that attacked as one and caused the victim's death. In many states, the owner or caretaker of the dog is responsible for any injuries they cause and they could be liable to pay for medical injuries and pain and suffering.