Michigan Dog Bite Lawyer Discusses National Dog Bite Statistics
by Lawrence Buckfire
(Southfield, Michigan)
United States dog bite statistics show there are 68 million dogs kept as pets. Out of these 68 million dogs there are 1 million dog bites reported every year. It is also estimated that an equal or greater number of bites go unreported every year. 800,00 victims of dog bites require at least some medical attention.
Statistics show certain breeds of dogs are more dangerous than others; however that doesn't necessarily mean that every dog of that breed is dangerous. Part of a dog's behavior is their breed. However, the other half has to do with the dog owner. The most dangerous dog breeds are listed below.
• Pit bull
• Rottweiler
• German Shepherd
• Husky
• Malamute
77% of dog bites between 1982-2007 that inflicted bodily harm are from pit bulls, Rottweiler’s, and wolf-hybrids Also, it may come as a shock to many, but a chained dog is 2.8 times more likely to bite someone than an unchained dog.
The most common dog bite injuries include:
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement resulting from scars
• Infection
• Bone fracture injury
• Rabies
• Nerve damage
Over 60% of dog bites occur in the home of the owner. 77% of dog bite victims are friends of the dog’s owner, or a member of the owners’ family. Therefore, these victims were familiar with the dog prior to the dog bite attack. Surpassing playground injury, dog bites rank second in causes for childhood injury.
According to Insurance Information Institute, “dog bites accounted for about 25% of all claims on homeowner’s insurance, costing more than $321 million in 2003.” The limits for insurance coverage are different in every case, but most homeowner's usually have a minimum of $100,000.00 in liability coverage. This means that the insurance company will pay the dog bite victim up to that amount if the injuries are severe enough.
If you would like more information about your legal rights after a dog bite injury or attack, you can order our FREE book, "The Ultimate Michigan Dog Bite and Animal Attack Handbook" by Michigan dog bite attorney Lawrence J. Buckfire. The book explains the laws on Michigan bites and animal attacks, your legal rights after a bite, and how to get the best money settlement for you injuries.
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For more information on your legal rights after an accident, call us now at (800) 606-1717 to speak with one of our Michigan Dog Bite Lawyers about your case.
