F.A.Q. Frequently Asked Questions about dog bite and dog attack injuries
How frequent are dog bite and dog attack injuries?
The US Center for Disease Control reports that every year more than 4.7 million Americans suffer a dog bite injury. Of these, nearly 800,000 require medical attention, and about one per cent of dog attack victims require hospitalization for their care.
What is the risk of dog bites for children?
About half of all children in the US will be bitten by a dog before they are 18. Seventy percent of the victims of serious dog bite and dog attack injuries who require hospitalization are children, and about 70 percent of those who die from dog bites are children.
Are certain groups at higher risk for dog bites and dog attacks?
The elderly have a higher rate of dog attacks, as do service workers such as mail carriers, other delivery persons, meter readers, home health aides, and others who make house calls, and are therefore more exposed to dogs.
Is the frequency of dog bites increasing in the US?
Dog bites are increasing faster than dog ownership. Between 1986 and the present, dog ownership increased 2 per cent, and dog bites requiring medical treatment increased 36 per cent.
Are some dog breeds’ bites more dangerous?
More than half of all documented serious dog attacks in the US involve Rottweilers or pit bulls.
How can I reduce my risk of a dog attack?
Do not approach dogs you don’t know well, nor those unaccompanied by an owner. Avoid packs of dogs. Do not provoke or tease any dog, whether you know it well or not.
What age groups are most are most at risk for dog attacks?
Children 14 and under are the most frequent victims of dog attacks. Seventy percent of fatal dog attacks andmore than half of bite wounds requiring medical attention involve children. Among children, the group suffering the highest incidence of dog attacks is 5 to 9-year-old boys. Dog bite injuries are the third leading cause of emergency admission of children to hospitals.
Are there psychological effects from dog attacks?
The emotional trauma resulting from being attacked by a dog is a central element in many dog bite cases. People often suffer post-traumatic distress disorder, with symptoms of sleep disturbance, flashbacks of the attack, severe anxiety and irritability, impaired concentration, and a persistent fear of dogs.
Who is responsible when a dog attacks and injures a person?
Under California law, dog owners are liable when their dog bites someone, and the attack victim does not have to prove fault or negligence. This law does not apply to a person who is bitten while trespassing.
Do homeowners and renters insurance cover dog attacks?
The Insurance Information Institute, an insurance industry group, states that homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability. Most policies provide $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage. If the claim exceeds the limit, the dog owner is responsible for all damages above that amount, including legal expenses. However, some carriers are now excluding certain breeds from coverage.
Are support groups helpful for dog attack survivors?
A support group of other dog attack survivors can be invaluable. People who have experienced what the new survivor is experiencing can help a dog attack survivor deal with persistent psychological symptoms. Other survivors can help a new dog attack victim find a way to live with scarring and come to believe that that the future is worth working towards. Many dog bite and dog attack survivors also make use of psychotherapy to help them deal with the challenges of this period.
