Deadly Dog Attack
In order to avoid a fatal dog attack, learning about canine attacks and how to avoid them is invaluable. Dogs have for centuries been considered man’s best friend, but inbreeding and random characteristics/situations can cause what was once a friendly pet to become an aggressive creature. Today, dogs are part of our everyday experience more than ever with cities and commercial establishments becoming dog-friendly, which is a good thing for dog owners. While having a dog can be a wonderful, healing adventure, knowing when and why a dog may attack and how to protect yourself is essential.
Fatal Dog Attack Statistics
In 2016, there were 31 fatalities related to a dog attack nationwide. This count would ratchet up to 41 if mixed breeds were included. Overall, pit bulls caused 71 percent of all fatalities, despite pure-bred pit bulls accounting for only 6 percent of all dogs. The second most aggressive dog after a pit bull is the Rottweiler. Some of the least aggressive dogs include beagles, basset hounds, and Bernese mountain dogs, according to iheartdogs.com. Although some dogs are renowned for good and bad traits, training and awareness are a great tool for preventing a fatal dog attack.
Characteristics of a Dog Attack
Some characteristics of dog attacks shed light on who is bitten most often:
- Age: Of all fatalities in 2016, adults over 30 were killed most often at 58 percent. Children under nine accounted for 42 percent of the total number of people who died. Infants under six days made up 31 percent of younger deaths.
- Sex: In adults, females were most often killed but by a low percentage difference of 1 percent. In younger individuals aged nine or younger, males were killed most often by 62 percent to 38 percent females. Alternately, older Americans aged 59 and greater showed a female dominance with women dying 75 percent of the time and men only 25 percent.
- The number of dogs: The number of dogs in an attack is significant since approximately 61 percent of attacks involved more than one dog. Twenty-six percent involved four or more canines, and 35 percent involved two or three dogs.
- Domicile: Roughly 42 percent of all fatal dog attacks happened when a decedent was visiting or lodging temporarily at the home. Out of this number, 77 percent of the attacks were by pit bulls.
- Dog ownership: Dog ownership was an important factor with 55 percent of all deaths due to non-family owned dogs while 45 percent were family-owned canines. Of family-owned dog bite fatalities, 86 percent were pit bulls. In one case, the parents were lying in bed with their infant when the fatal attack occurred.
- Location: California had the most canine-related fatalities in 2016. Florida, Texas and North Carolina were next in line.
Things You Can Do to Avoid a Lincoln Fatality
It is important to know what to do to avoid a fatality should a dog attack you. One of the most critical ways to survive is to remain calm. A dog understands when someone is fearful and might prey on it. If there is time, try to put distance between you and the dog. Don’t turn your back on the dog but rather back away slowly and steadily. By running away from the dog, you are giving it an invitation to chase you, initiating a fatal dog attack. If the dog begins to attack, protect your head, face, neck, and genitals. Put anything you are carrying as a barrier between the dog and you. Tuck your hand into a fist, to protect your digits. If cornered and attacked, kicking the dog in the ribs or eyes might dissuade it. Call for help. Running might seem like the natural defense, but remember the dog will usually be faster than you are.
Warning Signs of Dog Attacks
There are signs a dog may attack. Some are:
- Low, sustained growl: If a dog is growling and the growl lasts for more than a few seconds, consider yourself warned the dog may attack.
- Eye contact: It is unnatural for dogs to make direct eye contact with a human or another dog. When this happens, it is a clear sign the dog may attack. Don’t stare back at the dog. This is not a game of one-upmanship. Just slowly look away.
- Raising hackles: When dogs raise the hair on their neck and back, you can assume an attack may follow.
- Looking away: While direct eye contact is dangerous, avoidance is also a sign the dog feels threatened and may attack.
- Crouching: A dog that forces its body weight toward the ground may be about to leap and bite.
- Rigid posture: This can mean the dog is about to become aggressive. Back off.
- Exposing front teeth: The dog is trying to show it means business. Do not take this sign lightly.
Liability for a Dog Bite
Dog owners are responsible for dog bites and fatalities in California. Homeowner’s insurance is a prime source of compensation. Some types of renters and car insurance also carry protection against dog bites. If insurance coverage is not available, the injured individual or, in the case of fatalities, their family must turn to a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. There is a two-year statute of limitations on filing, after which the case will not be heard.
Lincoln Dog Bite Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Lincoln dog bite lawyer. Dog attacks can be a horrifying experience that results in serious injury and death. When this happens to you or someone you love, you may need the help a seasoned injury lawyer can provide. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. You are welcome to contact me online if that is more convenient for you.
I’ve helped residents of Lincoln and others in Northern California in a variety of car accidents, wrongful deaths, and traumatic brain injury cases obtain the compensation they deserve.
I belong to a forum called the Million Dollar Advocates that welcomes trial lawyers nationwide who have won more than $1 million for a client.
If you need to retain an attorney, you should learn about their practice beforehand. You can review comments by former clients and my peers as well as how I resolved cases on the following pages:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/en/dog-attack-aggressive-anger-bite-900215/
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