Deadly Dogs and Easy Prey
Dog bites are no laughing matter. 4.5 million people each year are bitten by a dog in the United States. Out of those millions, 1 in 5 require medical attention. Sadly, the most common victims of dog attacks are children and the elderly. 41% of all dog-inflicted fatalities are children, while 65% of adults who died from dog attacks were over the age of 60. As reported by NBC Southern California, a child and grandmother were attacked by a dog that escaped from its yard and charged the pair, narrowly escaping death after the intervention of neighbors. Many of these fatal dog attacks are caused by two dog breeds in particular.
The Deadly Dog Breeds
Both Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are dog breeds that suffer from a negative image in the media, but perhaps that reputation is well deserved. Pit Bulls and Rottweilers accounted for 91% of the total recorded dog bite deaths in 2015. These same two dog breeds also accounted for 76% of all fatal attacks in between 2006 and 2015. The statistics are so skewed against these two breeds that many communities and cities across the United States have banned them entirely. Some insurance policies will not cover homeowners who keep these dog breeds.
Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are seemingly quite dangerous dogs. There is no conclusive evidence that any given Pit Bull or Rottweiler will attack a person or another dog, but exercising extreme caution around these breeds is advisable.
Both Pit Bulls and Rottweilers possess enormous jaw strength that can inflict more severe damage to victims than other dog breeds. Pit Bulls in particular are known for biting and then violently shaking a victim, causing deep tissue and muscle damage. While these breeds may or may not be more prone to biting, when they do, the results can be deadly.
Vulnerable Victims
Children and the elderly suffer from dog bites in disproportionate numbers to the rest of the population, and the reasons for that are rather simple. Deadly Dog attacks on the elderly result in death more often due to the fact that the elderly cannot defend themselves as well as a younger adult could. Furthermore, due to their age, their recovery may be more difficult and their bodies may not be able to cope with the strain.
Children are vulnerable due to their small size. Many dog breeds can weigh more than a 10-year-old child at their full size. Larger dogs may see children as easy targets for attack or as a plaything. Children also lack the common sense that comes with experience when dealing with dogs. They may inadvertently aggravate dogs by running up to them, rushing them, or petting them when the dogs give warning signs that they feel threatened. All of these factors turn children and dogs into a potentially disastrous situation.
Dog Bites Result in Serious Injury: Get Compensation
Dog bites that do not result in death can still cause serious injury, requiring immediate medical attention and even reconstructive surgery due to disfigurement. While economic compensation will not make up for a dog bite, it does allow the victim to reduce his or her hardships. If you or someone you know has been injured by a dog bite, consult with experienced attorneys at Deldar Legal in Los Angeles today. We have the experience and skill necessary to assert your legal rights.