In the United States, an estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually. According to the most recent data, medical attention is needed in more than 800,000 dog bites, and California has the most dog bite fatalities nationally. The dog bite numbers are expected to spike again because of the rise of dog adoption as people sought canine companionship during the COVID lockdowns.
Experience is the key to handling dog bite cases, and the Los Angeles dog bite attorneys at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg have more than 30 successful years of experience with these types of cases.
Adding Up The Numbers
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, an estimated one in five dog bites require medical treatment; that is, thousands of people seek medical treatment after attacks yearly. Children make up at least half of those bitten.
In 2018, California saw 36 dog bites that resulted in death—15 children and 21 adults. In 2019, the death toll was 9, but as the data is being totaled for 2020, with pet adoption on the rise, the attack statistics are bound to rise.
Over the last few years, the types of dogs being adopted have changed. Preferences are trending toward dogs with strong protection tendencies. Breeds bred to protect can result in vicious attacks and severe injuries. Dog bites are more likely with breeds like:
- American bulldogs
- Bullmastiffs and Brazilian mastiffs
- Cain Corso
- Full-blooded and mixed pit bulls
Recent reports show that in any given year, more than 80% of dog attacks came from pit bulls. In many situations, pit bulls make great pets without incidents, but the frequency of pit bulls attacking humans has prompted cities and states to require extra precautions when dealing with the breed.
The most severe dog bite injuries happen to children. These bites often take seconds and even occur when children are familiar with the dog. It is important to know, any dog can bite. Whether it be a male or female, pups or old dogs, neutered or spayed, large or small, cuddly or skittish—any dog can bite if provoked. Often, an attack has more to do with a dog’s history or muscle memory than the breed.
There are actions you can take to help prevent dog bites, including:
- Avoid risky situations
- Be a responsible pet owner with proper training and care
- Educate your family
- Pay attention to your and the dog’s body language
- Socialize your dog
When Should I Contact A Lawyer?
The Los Angeles personal dog bite attorneys at the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg are dedicated to getting you:
- Compensation for medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Other costs associated with the attack
We pride ourselves on building relationships with our clients and helping them move past this incident. If you or a loved one has been affected by a dog bite, trust us to walk with you during this process. Contact us by clicking here or calling 310-997-0904 for a free consultation.
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