The American Chronicle recently published an article about dog bite injuries. In 2009, there were 32 fatal dog attacks in the U.S. While pit bulls make up only 5 percent of the U.S. dog population, they accounted for 44 percent of the fatal attacks. Pit bulls and rottweilers together accounted for 56 percent of all fatal attacks, and from 2005 to 2009, these two breeds of dogs were responsible for 70 percent of all fatal dog attacks.
Not all pit bull dogs are vicious attack dogs. Unfortunately, many pit bulls are trained to be vicious attack dogs. Serious dog attack injuries typically involve children. In 2009, 63 percent of reported dog bite injuries involved children age 11 or younger. Of these children, 60 percent were age 2 or younger. Children are curious and more vulnerable to attack.
Dogs are territorial animals and pack animals. Over a third of the fatal dog attacks in 2009 involved multiple dogs, and 75 percent of the attacks occurred on the dog owner’s property.
If you suffer a dog bite injury in Georgia, you may be entitled to compensation if you can prove that the dog has dangerous propensities (such as a history of attacks) and that the owner knew about such dangerous propensities and was negligent. It can be difficult to win a dog bite injury lawsuit in Georgia, but you may be awarded recovery, especially if you have an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney on your side.
Each year, nearly 5 million Americans are attacked by a dog. If you live in the United States, you have about a 1 in 50 chance of being attacked by a dog. To decrease your chances of being the victim of a dog attack, stay away from unfamiliar dogs, and do not wander onto unfamiliar property. Never try to touch a dog before it has warmed up to you. Remember, dogs are territorial. They may attack out of fear. Similarly, never touch a dog that’s eating, sleeping, or looking after puppies. Mama dogs, like mama humans, can be very protective. Finally, never leave children alone with an unfamiliar dog, even if the dog seems friendly in your presence.
If you are a dog owner, you can take steps to make sure you don’t end up in court because your dog attacked someone. First of all, properly restrain your dog at all times. The vast majority of dog attacks are carried out by unrestrained dogs. Keep your dog on a leash in public, and keep canines restrained when at home. Allow your pet to play with other dogs as well as other people and children in your presence and under your watch. A dog that is customized to children is much less likely to attack in the event that a child wanders onto your property. Spay and neuter dogs. Male dogs that have not been neutered account for 80 percent of attacks. Teach your dog manners when it is still a puppy. Teach it not to bite or jump on people.
If your or a loved one has been the victim of an Atlanta dog attack injury, contact an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney. For legal advice, call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.