National Dog Bite Prevention Week, which runs from April 9 to 15, aims to educate the public and dog owners about how to prevent dog bites. According to recent reports, dog bite claims over the past 10 years have skyrocketed. The information below provides insight into why these claims have been on the rise, and provides helpful tips on how to avoid becoming a victim.
The Insurance Information Institute, in collaboration with State Farm, released a report earlier this month to call attention to the shocking increase in dog bite claims. According to the report, 18,000 dog bite claims were filed in 2016 alone. This is nearly 3,500 more than were filed in 2006. So, what’s going on? Are there more “vicious” dogs today than there were 10 years ago? Are irresponsible owners to blame?
The real answer may have more to do with the potential payout than with the dogs or owners; the average payout on a dog bite claim has risen by more than $11 thousand in that same period of time. Total payouts for all dog bite claims in 2016 increased by nearly $280 million. This doesn’t mean that people are taking advantage of the system, however. In the past, dog bite claims weren’t taken as seriously as they are today, thus, they usually resulted in a lower payout. As filing a legal claim can be a complex process, it is likely that less people chose to go this route when the potential payout was less substantial.
Dog Bite Facts
But an increase in attacks, and more serious bites, may also play a role in the rise in dog bite claims. According to analysts, there has been an uptick in severe dog bites, especially those involving children. This combination of an increase in attacks and an increase in payouts may be responsible for the nearly 20 percent increase in annual dog bite claims. A Boston injury lawyer can help you determine how to proceed if you have been the victim of a dog bite or attack.
- According to the CDC, about 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the United States
- Of these bites, about 900,000 become infected.
- In 2016, 41 people died due to dog bites
- Of those deaths, 31 percent were three to six-day-old infants
Who is Liable?
In most cases, the dog’s owner is liable for any injury caused by their dog. Of course, in some instances it is the victim, not the dog or owner, who is to blame. If an individual is thought to have “provoked” a dog, the owner may not be liable for resulting injuries. An ignored “Beware of Dog” sign could further complicate the issue. A skilled MA personal injury attorney can help you recover damages if you’ve been injured in a dog attack.
How to Prevent Dog Bites
Before we talk about how to prevent dog bites, let’s consider why dogs bite in the first place. In most cases, dogs bite because they are stressed, because they feel threatened, or to protect themselves or their puppies. They may also react aggressively if they are not feeling well.
- Avoid approaching an animal that you do not know.
- Avoid running from a dog.
- If you are approached by an unfamiliar dog, stay completely still and avoid direct eye contact.
- Avoid disturbing a sleeping dog.
- Avoid disturbing a dog who is eating.
- Before attempting to pet an unfamiliar dog, allow the dog to sniff you.
- If a dog begins to attack, roll into a ball and stay very still. Cover your ears and neck, and avoid eye contact.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Top Dog Bite Injury Law Firm
If you have been injured due to another’s negligence, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. We have been protecting the rights of accident and injury victims for more than 50 years. Dog bites can range in severity from a mild wound to disfiguring, and even life-threatening injuries. If a dog bite has caused you serious harm, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.