Facts About Dog Bites

Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States, with one in five resulting in injuries that require medical attention? Some more interesting facts about dog bites are: dog bite cases

  • Children are at a higher risk of being bitten, with kids under the age of 14 accounting for more than 50% of dog bite injuries.
  • Men are more likely to be bitten by dogs than women.
  • Most dog bites occur on the owner's property.
  • Most dog bites that require medical attention are to the extremities such as hands, arms, and legs.
  • In the U.S, about 31 people die each year because of dog bites, with most of the victims being children.
  • The cost of dog bite-related medical treatment is estimated to be around $3 billion in the U.S.
  • The insurance industry pays out more than $1 billion annually for dog bite claims.
  • The most common breeds of dogs involved in fatal attacks are pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds.

Strategies to Win Your Dog Bite Case

If you’ve been bit by a dog in Missouri, here are a few strategies that can be used to increase the chances of winning a dog bite case:

  • Gather evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible, including photographs of the injuries, witness statements, and any relevant medical records. You may want to see if there is any video of the attack (for instance, it was caught on someone’s ring doorbell).
  • Establish liability: Because the bite occurred in Missouri, liability is established because it is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. But you need to determine who the owner or harborer of the dog is and who the potential defendants may be.
  • Prove damages: Document the victim's medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, such as emotional distress.
  • Understand Missouri dog bite laws: The laws and regulations surrounding dog bites can be complex, so it's important to have a good understanding of them. An attorney who is familiar with Missouri’s dog bite laws can help to ensure that the case is handled correctly.
  • Prove that the dog had a history of being vicious, this can be done by showing that the dog had bitten someone before, or by showing that the owner had knowledge of the dog's aggressive behavior.
  • Show the dog’s owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive behavior: This can be done by showing that the dog had bitten someone before or by showing that the owner had knowledge of the dog's aggressive behavior.
  • Prove that the dog’s owner did not take adequate precautions to prevent the attack: This can be done by showing that the dog was not properly contained, or that the owner did not act after previous aggressive behavior.
Michael Foster
Connect with me
Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney
Join The Conversation
Post A Comment