According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4.5 million people suffer from a dog bite each and every year in the United States. On a daily breakdown, research has shown that upwards of 1,000 American citizens receive some kind of emergency care for the treatment of their dog bite injuries. With these frightening statistics, being aware of which dogs are notoriously dangerous will help to prevent an injury from occurring.
While much more uncommon than that of a severe injury, dog bites have become such a threat that analysts have recorded anywhere between 30 to 35 dog bite fatalities per year in the U.S. On top of these fatalities, dog bites have caused 850,000 victims to seek medical attention. In addition, 350,000 dog bite victims require emergency room visits every year.
Dog bite accidents are very controversial issue. The majority of Americans view dogs in a positive light. They provide companionship, endless love, and often become members of the families in which they reside. Family dogs teach children responsibility while offering camaraderie unmatched by many other animals.
Unfortunately, however, dogs can also be brutally unpredictable. Regardless of prior training, there are many actions that may trigger a dog attack. In fact, certain dog breeds have grown a reputation for their dangerous, erratic nature. With this in mind, dog owners must take precautions before allowing strangers to interact with their pets.
Predicting a dog attack is largely impossible. However, being educated on the particular dog breeds which commonly attack or bite puts pet lovers at an advantage. With the ability to exercise caution around dogs with risky behaviors, the number of dog injuries recorded each year is likely to decrease.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite injury from one of the dangerous dog breeds listed below, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering. Citrin Law Firm’s Alabama personal injury attorneys are prepared to take on your case today.
For more information, please complete a Free Case Review on this page.
Dangerous Dog Breeds
Dog lovers and pet-friendly individuals are often drawn to naturally bend down and pet a dog, usually without thinking twice. In many cases, this is never a problem. Friendly dogs will enjoy the attention and love. However, dogs are incredibly unpredictable. Since a dog attack can happen in an instant, both pet owners and lovers must be aware of particular dangerous dog breeds that are more likely to attack.
Both children and adults must be aware of which dogs to look out for and the proper method of approaching any type of dog. One of the easiest ways to avoid a dog bite is to be well-versed on the various kinds of dangerous dog breeds.
The following dogs have a reputation for being unpredictable and dangerous:
- Akita
- Alaskan Malamute
- Boxer
- Chow Chow
- Dalmatian
- Doberman Pincher
- German Shepard
- Great Dane
- Pit Bull
- Presa Canario
- Rottweiler
- Saint Bernard
- Siberian Husky
- Staffordshire Terrier
- Wolf-Hybrids
All of the above dogs have a recorded history of being unpredictable and likely to attack, especially when provoked or approached improperly. Recent studies have reported that a dog attack occurs every 75 seconds in the U.S. If you or a loved one has been involved in a dog attack, Citrin Law Firm is here to guide you throughout the legal process.
For further information, fill out a Free Case Review at your earliest convenience.
Dog Bite Prevention
Emergency room treatment for those who have suffered from a dog attack is the second most prevalent reason for child hospital visits. Due to the number of families with dogs across the country, many children believe that all animals are as friendly as their pet. This misunderstanding causes thousands of dog bite attacks each year.
Unless told otherwise, the average child will bend down to pet almost any dog, often without asking permission from the owner. As a result, dogs get into “attack mode” if they feel that their territory is compromised.
When handling instances where a dog may attack, keep the following instructions in mind:
- Never turn your back to a dog
- Refrain from screaming
- Avoid eye contact
- Slowly back away from the animal until it becomes disinterested
- Leave hands at your side
- Remain as still as possible
- In the event of an attack, “feed” the dog a jacket, purse, or anything else that may prevent the dog from biting you
Keeping these tips in mind, in addition to teaching them to family members, will greatly reduce the likelihood of a dog attack. The more knowledgeable that both pet owners and pet lovers are, the better chance that the number of yearly dog bites attack will decrease. Above all else, remember to always ask permission prior to interacting with any strange dog.
Contact an Alabama Dog Bite Lawyer Today
In Alabama, dogs are very popular pets. Families and individuals purchase these animals for a source of comfort, love, and companionship. Often serving as a learning tool for children, dogs allow kids to understand responsibility. While much of the attention and buzz surrounding dogs are positive, dog bite attacks cannot be ignored.
Citrin Law Firm is dedicated to seeking justice for dog bite victims. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries following a dog attack, contact an experienced dog bite lawyer today.
Andy is the owner and CEO of Citrin Law Firm, P.C. He founded the firm in 1995 with the goal of helping injured people put their lives back together. His passion for protecting injured people has only grown since he opened the doors of Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, and he has a history of winning numerous multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients.