The Real Costs of Dog Bites: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

They may be Man’s Best Friend, but dog bites are the most common animal bites in the U.S. According to Forbes Advisor, about 4.5 million people sustain dog bites annually, and 80,000 seek medical attention. 

Want to know the most common areas on the body where dogs attack? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims nearly half of all bite injuries occur on the hands and arms.

No matter how minor the attack, being bitten by a dog can be especially traumatic for children. The incident may profoundly affect adults as well. Although reported bite incidents have decreased over the decades, dog bite laws ensure pet owners are held responsible should their pets show aggressive behavior.

In this article, we’ll look at the real costs of dog bites and what pet owners should know.

Legal Ramifications

Dog bite victims can legally pursue compensation for medical bills from pet owners. That’s one thing pet owners should be concerned about. If a victim decides to take legal action, hiring a dog bite lawyer increases their chances of a favorable outcome.

Each state has its own dog bite liability rules, and a skilled dog bite attorney understands these laws.

Washington for instance follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. A dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of the dog's history of aggression.

Russell & Hill states that dog bite victims don’t have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Liability is based on the incident, provided the victim was lawfully on the property.

The same applies to leash laws. In some U.S. cities pit bulls are banned from not being on leashes while other places enforce leashes in public spaces unless dogs are in designated off-leash areas. 

Twelve states have thus far mandated that dogs be microchipped to record any history of aggression.

Possible Fines

There’s an ongoing debate on whether dogs that attack should be euthanized or rehabilitated. Others argue that breed-specific bans discriminate against marginalized groups.

Although dog bite laws differ from state to state, pet owners could incur fines. Some juries have imposed fines of $2,000 or more. In other cases, dog parents are charged with a felony and can get a prison sentence of up to four years.

A less harsh punishment is community service of 500 hours or less.

Why Do Dogs Bite?

It’s better to be proactive than reactive. If your dog attacks and bites somebody, there’s a strong possibility you could be hit with a lawsuit.

The American Veterinary Medical Association says even the sweetest, most adorable pup can turn on you. The organization reminds pet parents that it’s not a dog’s breed that determines whether it will attack but its history and temperament. 

It’s also worth noting that recorded dog bite incidents are significantly higher in kids than in adults. Mail carriers are just as high on the list.

Firstly, it’s important to know why dogs bite. The most common reason is its reaction to a situation. Your fur baby could be scared or need to defend its territory. They bite because they feel threatened.

Another motive is that they’re not feeling well. Remember, dogs can’t express their emotions like humans. Sometimes, they just want to be left alone.

Dog Bite Prevention

Practicing responsible pet ownership starts with you. American Humane suggests always ensuring your pup is healthy by scheduling regular checkups with your veterinarian.

Your puppy may be the gentlest pet but it doesn’t justify leaving them alone with a baby or small child, even if they are the beloved family dog.

Always use a leash in public if your fur baby isn’t used to interacting with other dogs. This brings us to the next tip; don’t put your four-legged friend in a situation that causes them stress or anxiety. Read their mood and if you notice distressing behavior, remove them immediately.

Train your dog to follow basic instructions like “sit,” “stay” and “come.” Incorporate the commands into fun activities that teach them obedience and build trust between you and them.

No dog parent wants to admit their beloved furry pup is capable of the unthinkable. Our dogs are part of our families. They’re our protectors and our best friends. 

It comes as a shock to the system if they’ve shown signs of aggression or attacked someone unprovoked. As pet owners, we have to take full responsibility.

For dog bite victims, the emotional trauma and financial burden can be cumbersome. Know your rights and consult a dog bite lawyer who will best advise you on steps to be taken to launch a claim or lawsuit.