Are some dog breeds more likely to bite than others?

Friday, November 10, 2017 by The Law Offices of J. Jeffrey Herman

Every year, more than 350,000 people in the United States become victims of dog bites and sent to emergency rooms. Over 800,000 Americans receive medical treatment for these injuries. Although dogs are our beloved companions, they can also bite. But what breeds are responsible for these bites? While there are no studies that confirm some dog breeds may be more aggressive than others, the number of attacks is linked to the popularity of the breed. Contact an Oxnard dog bite attorney if you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog.

Some of the most represented breeds in dog bite cases include:

• German shepherds
• Rottweilers
• Chow Chows
• Pitbull mixes
• Saint Bernards
• Labrador retrievers

The most popular breeds in the United States are German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and spaniels. The smaller breeds are generally more aggressive but their attacks are not as dangerous as those of larger dog breeds. Also, some people reporting these attacks don’t know how to identify these breeds so they just say it was a pit bull, even when they have no evidence.

Homeowners nationwide have one-third of their home insurance covering dog bite claims every year. California is among the three top states for dog bite payouts. These insurances don’t discriminate on dog breed yet it is important you have an Oxnard dog bite attorney by your side guiding you every step of the way. Insurance companies generally don’t compensate victims of dog bites as they should. Retaining an attorney early in the process helps the insurance company make a better estimate of the compensation victims are entitled to receive.

Insurance claims have increased 18% over the last years, costing about $600M. Children make up almost half of these claims. This is generally because they are not aware of the dangers associated with canine companions.

Preventing dog bites

Though the idea of being bitten by your closest companion is a scary one, it is also a realistic one. Even if your dog is well-behaved, there are times when some circumstances can make them aggressive, particularly if you are walking outdoors with other dogs around. A few tips can help you avoid these accidents and reduce the risks of injuries.

• • If you are approached by a strange dog, remain calm.
  • If the dog knocks you over, curl up into a ball.
  • Tell your neighbors about any dog that’s behaving strangely.

• Never approach a strange dog.
• Never interrupt a dog while eating or sleeping.
• Never encourage a dog’s violent behavior.
• If your children are playing with a dog, make sure they are supervised.

We are here for you

Contact us today and schedule your initial dog bite case review with personal injury attorney J. Jeffrey Herman. Remember the wrong information can make the process longer and more costly. We can gather key evidence and ensure that your claim is much easier to settle.