Dog attacks can be extremely damaging to victims in a variety of different ways. Unfortunately, dog bites and dog bite injuries are common and occur every day which is why victims should know how they are protected when they have suffered a dog attack.
How common are dog attacks and dog bites?
The Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) reports that there are approximately 800,000 dog bites every year that require medical attention. Of those, 334,000 are severe enough to require medical treatment and care at a hospital. In addition, there are 2,400 dog attacks each day, 100 dog attacks each hour and one every 36 seconds.
Each dog bite victims, however, is unique. Greater than 50% of all dog bite victims are children. Of those, 26% of all children injured in a dog attack need to go to the emergency room, while 12% of adults injured in a dog attack require medical treatment. Dog bite injuries are one of the most common types of injury for children. Dog bite injuries and the treatment they require also cost a billion dollars each year.
Compensation for dog bite victims
Because of the commonplace nature of dog bite injuries, victims should know when and how they can recover compensation for the damages they have suffered. Victims who have suffered a dog attack do not likely consider it common. A personal injury claim for damages can help victims of serious dog bites recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional injuries. Victims should be aware of these legal protections so they can seek the help they need when injured.