Dog bites are a serious issue, with over 4.5 million incidents reported annually in the United States, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA. While any dog can bite under certain circumstances, certain breeds are statistically associated with a higher risk of biting or causing severe injuries. For dog owners and bite victims, understanding the interplay between a dog’s breed, behavior, and legal liability is critical. This article explores how breed specific factors influence bite risk and what it means for personal injury claims, offering insights for both owners and victims seeking justice.
Breed and Bite Risk: What the Data Says
While no dog breed is inherently “dangerous,” studies and insurance data highlights that some breeds can be more frequently involved in bite incidents. According to a 2019 study published in the journal of the AVMA, breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Chows are most often linked to a higher incidence of bites or more severe head injuries. This is due to factors like their size, strength, and in some cases, breeding for protective or guarding instincts.
However, smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Dachsunds also rank highly in bite frequency, but they are typically overlooked because their bites cause less damage. The Broad Institute notes that a dog’s behavior is influenced more by training, environment, and owner responsibility than breed alone. Still, courts and insurance companies often consider breed when they make their assessments of liability, especially in cases involving restricted or “high-risk” breeds.
For Owners
As an owner of a dog you must understand the risks that come with owning it. A dog bite can be extremely serious and if you are not prepared for the outcome it can be detrimental to you financially. This means that as an owner you must take proactive steps in order to reduce the chances of your dog biting someone. You can reduce these risks by:
- Training and Socialization: Enroll your dog in obedience training. This can be especially helpful for breeds who are known for having strong protective instincts like a pitbull, staffordshire, or a German Shepherd. Socialization and training helps your dog to become more obedient to your commands, and less stressed out when near strangers. When combined these factors can greatly reduce your dog’s chances of biting someone.
- Leash and Containment: When you take your dog out on the town or on a walk you should always utilize a leash. A leash helps to keep your dog from jumping onto strangers and running out of your control allowing you to keep your eye on them at all times. In the same vein, at home you should ensure that your yard has secure fencing or that your dog is on a leash while they are on your property.
- Insurance Coverage: If you are curious about getting a dog, check your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy beforehand. Some insurance agencies have certain policies against specific breeds (such as Rottweilers, Pitbulls, etc) which may require you to pay hire premiums due to the likelihood of your dog biting someone, or will deny you coverage outright. If your insurance denies you coverage, seek homeowners’ or renters’ insurance elsewhere. Maintaining insurance can help protect you financially in case your dog bites someone.
Taking these precautions can help to increase your own defense in case your dog bites someone; however, failure to take this initiative can increase your liability and weaken your defense in a potential dog bite lawsuit.
What Victims Need to Know
If you have been bitten by a dog, the breed involved can influence your personal injury claim in several ways. While breed alone does not determine the outcome of your case, it can affect:
- Severity of Injuries: Larger breeds like German Shepherds or Mastiffs can cause severe injuries, such as deep lacerations due to their larger teeth, broken bones because of their strong jaws and bite force, or permanent scarring. The more severe your injuries are, your chances of receiving higher compensation increase.
- Insurance Claims: Some insurance companies flag certain breeds as high-risk, which may impact claim approvals or settlement amounts. Victims may face challenges if the owner’s policy excludes coverage for the breed involved.
- Proving Liability: In a state with a one-bite rule, like Utah, demonstrating that the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s breed-specific tendencies (a Rottweiler’s guarding instincts) can strengthen your case.
Building a Strong Claim
As a dog bite victim, building a strong claim can be difficult. To maximize your dog bite case for the best possible outcome you should:
Document the Incident
Take as many photos and videos of the scene of the accident as possible. Make sure to get photos of your injuries, the dog, where the bite occurred, and if possible try to gather contact information from anyone who may have seen the bite. Their statements can be vital for your case.
Seek Medical Attention
Your safety should be your top priority after a dog bite, so make sure to seek medical treatment immediately. Seeking prompt medical treatment also establishes a direct record of the injuries you have received and their severity, which is your key evidence in a dog bite case.
Identify the Dog and Owner
One of the hardest aspects of a dog bite case can be figuring out who to sue. It can often be hard to track down the owner or their property after the craziness of a dog bite, but try your hardest to get their name and contact information before you seek medical attention. You should also try to confirm the dog’s breed and vaccination status if possible.
Consult With a Utah Dog Bite Lawyer
Consulting with an experienced Utah dog bite lawyer can be instrumental in having a successful dog bite case. Your dog bite lawyer will have a complex understanding of dog bite laws, local ordinances that may apply to your case, and the knowledge of how to successfully fight an insurance company on your behalf. All of this knowledge will be used to help ensure that you can maximize your recovery from any injuries, as well as get the compensation that you deserve.
How LifeLaw Can Help You
Here at LifeLaw Personal Injury our Utah dog bite lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a dog bite can have on you. If you are a victim of a dog bite injury let our team of experienced experts help you through the legal process. We will work tirelessly to gather evidence, develop your case, and fight against an insurance company to ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve.
If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog, don’t hesitate and call us today for a free consultation. Our Utah dog bite lawyers would be happy to evaluate your case and work for you.