It is very commonplace for residents in Massachusetts and elsewhere to own a dog. A dog can be a great companion and the perfect family pet. While dog owners understand that responsibilities come with dog ownership, these responsibilities go beyond caring for the dog. It includes the duty of protecting visitors and the general public from being harmed by his or her dog. Failure to take steps to uphold this duty could result in a dog owner facing liability if a dog bite or dog attack occurs.
Based on current statistics by the Center for Disease Control, roughly 4.5 million dog bites happen each year in the U.S. Of these bites, around 900,000 become infected. And based on the current population of the nation, this means that 1 out of every 72 people will suffer a dog bite in 2017.
Dog bite statistics are scary; however, dog bite situations are scary. Dogs tend to bite as a reaction to a stressful situation, because they are scared or threatened, as a means to protect themselves, their puppies or their owner, because they are not feeling well, are startled or just play biting or nipping.
In 2016, 80 percent of the dog bites that occurred did not result in an injury that needed medical attention. However, that year 41 dog bites resulted in fatalities. Of these fatalities, 31 percent were infants 3 to 6 days old, 42 percent were child age 9 and younger and 58 percent were adults 30-years-old and older.
If you have been injured because of a dog bite or attack, it is important to be well informed on your matter. If a negligent dog owner is to blame, it is possible to hold them accountable for your pain and suffering. A personal injury claim not only places liability on a dog owner but also helps with the recovery of compensation, which could address medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages and other damages.
Source: Caninejournal.com, “Dog Bite Statistics,” Sara Logan Wilson, Nov. 1, 2017
