Our Atlanta Personal Injury Attorneys Discuss Dog Bites by Breed of Dog

All dogs are capable of inflicting serious bite wounds, but some breeds of dog may pose a greater threat than others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites happen across the United States. Approximately one out of every five dog bites become infected, leaving the bite victim at risk of considerable complications. Below, we examine which breeds of dog are statistically most often involved in attacks on people.

The Most Dangerous Dogs

When you hear the phrase “dangerous dog,” your mind may travel quickly to pit bulls. Pit bulls have received much negative attention in recent years after a number of high-profile dog attacks. Several municipalities have gone so far as to ban ownership of the breed in hopes of preventing dog attacks. But are pit bulls really more dangerous than other breeds? This answer varies depending on who you ask. According to Dogbites.org, pit bulls are responsible for 64 percent of deaths caused by dog bites. Other breeds that this organization believes to be dangerous also include:

  • Rottweilers
  • Dogo argentine
  • Presa canario
  • Cane corso
  • Tosa inu
  • Wolf hybrids
  • Mastiffs
  • Boxers
  • Shar peis

However, several scientific studies have called this data into question. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has taken a stance against breed specific after carefully researching data from areas that have adopted breed-specific legislation, only to find that dog bite rates went up. Instead, all dog owners are encouraged to properly socialize their dogs and always keep dogs on a leash to prevent attacks. Spaying and neutering your dog is also one of the most important steps you can take, as the majority of dogs that bite are not fixed.

The size of a dog does not always determine its ability to bite. Small dogs are often held to less stringent standards by their owners. They may be allowed to jump or nip due to their smaller size, but a smaller dog that bites a child can still inflict considerable injury. Children are considered the most at risk of dog attacks. Additionally, children will not typically recognize signs that a dog is upset and may trigger an otherwise friendly dog’s prey drive when they run. For this reason, parents of small children and dog owners should be careful when kids and dogs meet.

Dog Bite Claims

No matter what breed of dog or size of dog attacked you, you may be able to seek compensation from the owner of the dog, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, Pain and Suffering and more.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, contact our Atlanta, Georgia Personal Injury Lawyers at Montlick and Associates for prompt legal services. Our compassionate law firm offers you a free case review to explain your legal rights and the actions necessary to obtain compensation. We bring over 39 years of legal experience to your case and will fight to see that you obtain the maximum recovery you are entitled to under the law.

Call us anytime to schedule your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/features/dog-bite-prevention/

http://www.dogsbite.org/dangerous-dogs.php

http://www.aspca.org/about-us/aspca-policy-and-position-statements/position-statement-breed-specific-legislation

Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law

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Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333
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