Which Dog Breeds Have the Highest Bite Rate?
June 28, 2019 | Dog Bites
Regardless of breed, all dogs have the potential to cause harm to a person or another animal, but some breeds are more likely than others such as Pitbulls and Rottweilers, which are categorized as “dangerous dogs.” If you have been bitten by a dangerous dog and are looking for more information on which dog breeds have the highest bite rate, the Dixon Injury Firm has created the following guide to raise awareness of the issue, and hopefully offer guidance to dog bite victims and their family members when filing a claim.
Most Common Dog Breeds Involved in Dog Bite Accidents
Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year, and while most require medical treatment, 27,000 victims will require surgery for their dog bite injuries. While some dog bite accidents are caused by a victim’s negligence, such as provocation of an animal or trespassing on private property, most dog bite accidents are caused in a victim’s household or at the home of a family member or close friend, unprovoked.
Some dog breeds are more likely to cause harm than others, and categorized as “dangerous dogs,” due to their high bite rate. The most common dog breeds that are involved in dog bite accidents include:
- Pit Bulls
- Rottweillers
- Mastiffs
- American Bulldogs
- Doberman Pinschers
The most likely victims of dog bite accidents include children under the age of 9 and adults over the age of 30. While dog bite statutes vary from state to state, most allow victims to file a claim against the dog’s owner to recover damages. For example, in the state of Missouri, which has a “strict liability” dog bite statute, if someone is bitten by a dog, unprovoked, or while on public property, the victim can sue the dog’s owner to recover compensation for injuries and financial damages. Additionally, some cities and counties in Missouri have dangerous dog ordinances that regulate specific breeds, such as Pitbulls and Rottweilers, to reduce the number of attacks that occur in the area.
Breed Specific Dog Laws
Breed-specific dog laws are designed to reduce the number of dog attacks in a specific area and generally pertain to dog breeds that have high bite rates, including Pitbulls, Rottweillers, and American Bulldogs. States that have breed-specific dog laws in place include Colorado, Washington, Virginia, Arkansas, Iowa, Utah, and West Virginia. Most of these states have reported that since adopting breed-specific dog laws, dog bite injuries and deaths have significantly reduced. However, dog bite accidents are still a prominent issue across the U.S. 36 dog bite-related fatalities occurred in 2018, with 89% of these deaths caused by “dangerous dogs.” In most states, if a person is bitten by a dog without provocation, trespassing on private property, or acting in an otherwise negligent manner, the victim has the right to sue the dog’s owner to recover compensation for their injuries and financial losses.
Talk to a Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or someone you know has been involved in a dog bite accident, you need an experienced lawyer representing your case. A lawyer can help you gather evidence from the accident, develop a compelling claim to defend your case, and negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company to recover the most damages for your harm and losses.
Christopher Dixon and the St. Louis Dog Bite Lawyers at the Dixon Injury Firm are committed to helping dog bite victims and their family members through such a difficult time, and have the knowledge of dog bite rates needed to produce the best results for your case. Chris Dixon has recovered more than $35,000,000 in settlements for personal injury victims, and his efforts have earned the status of “Top 100 Trial Lawyer” by the National Trial Lawyers Association, “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers, and a Lifetime Membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
If you have suffered injuries in a dog bite accident, and need a lawyer to represent your case, call (314) 208-2808, or contact the Dixon Injury Firm today to schedule a free consultation with our experienced Dog Bite Lawyers in St. Louis.