• 13
  • May
    2011

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is May 15-21. This is a good time to become more aware of the dangers of dog bites and other animal attacks.

Every year, nearly five million people suffer bites or other attacks from dogs. Many of these bites and attacks involve injuries to children. The physical injuries can be serious and result in extensive scarring, even after surgery. The emotional trauma from the attack can have long-term consequences, especially for children.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association. It is also supported by insurance companies. According to estimates by the Insurance Information Institute, insurers paid out over $412 million in claims in dog bite cases in 2009.

It is a myth that dog bite cases only involve large breeds like pit bulls, Dobermans and Rottweilers. In fact, dogs of any breed can bite and attack humans. A little terrier or Chihuahua can inflict serious damage, despite its small size.

The data on the frequency of dog bites among children is well established. Fully 60 percent of dog bite victims are under the age of 12. Last year, there were 20 deaths among young children caused by dog attacks. There were also 13 other deaths, bringing the number of fatalities from dog attacks last year to 33 nationally.

Clearly dog owners need to do a much better job of restraining their pets.

If you or someone in your family was injured by a dog attack, contact an experienced Wisconsin personal injury lawyer at our firm to discuss your legal options.

Source: "It's Not the Breed, It's the Bite," PRNewswire, 5-10-11