Louisianans love animal and dogs are a part of many of our lives. According to the American Kennel Association, 40% of Americans households have at least one dog. In Louisiana, the statistic is slightly higher. Whether used for hunting, safety, or companionship, dogs are around us just about any place we go. Though most dogs are domesticated they still present a real danger. In 2016 there were 31 dog-related fatalities reported in the United States and according to a major insurance company, Louisiana ranks 14th in the United States for dog-related injury claims. 57 dog-related injury claims were paid by just one insurance company in a year. Personal injury due to the negligence of pet owners is a growing problem in the area.
Consider these facts from the American Medical Association, State Farm Insurance, DogsBite.org, and the Louisiana Dept. of Health and Hospitals:
- About 1/3 of dog bites are to the head, neck, and face areas of the body
- Fatalities from dog bites ranged from a 22-week old baby to a 91-year-old man
- 50% of the United States population will be bitten by a dog
- More than 50% of dog bite victims are children
- 33% of dog bites to children are to the face and neck
- Bacterial infections are likely if a dog bite is not cleaned and treated by medical professionals
- Dogs knocking down a person also cause life-threatening injuries
- Bites don’t always break the skin and bleed
- Underlying tissue damage and bruising can occur from a bite with no outside damage being visible to the skin
- More females than males are injured by dog bites
- More males than females die from dog bite injuries
- Stray dogs account for a little over half of all reported dog bites
The facts are scary. Dog bites leading to personal injury from negligence are true safety issues. The family pet can attack leading to serious injury and even death.
Breeds of dogs are not always reported to health agencies when bites occur. The breeds that were reported that led to death are pit bulls, America bulldogs, Rottweilers, Labradors, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinchers, and Belgian Malinois. Mixed breeds also were reported to have bitten and caused injury that led to death.
Any animal can attack and cause injury. Even a trusted family pet, regardless of breed, can bite and lead to serious injury. Dogs are not the only pets that can bite or cause personal injury.
If you are bitten by a dog or any other animal, you need to seek treatment and then call a personal injury lawyer. Don’t suffer in silence because you don’t know who to turn to or what to do. Craig Richardson is a local attorney who knows the law and can seek top awards in a personal injury case. He will fight for you whether you are the injured person or your child is the victim of a dog bite. Discover your rights by calling today.