Parents and families in Massachusetts may wonder how serious of a concern dog bites actually are. On that note, many people concerned about dog bites may wonder about their overall frequency and seriousness; dog bites statistics may help shed some light on the concerns associated with dog bites.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 4.7 million dog bite incidents occur each year in the United States. Among the 4.7 million total dog attacks each year, 800,000 individuals in the U.S. seek medical attention for a dog bite each year. Half of the dog bite victims who seek medical treatment require emergency medical treatment. Among victims injured in dog bite attacks each year, 386,000 victims are children.
Because of the serious nature of dog attacks, it can be helpful to better understand them and how to respond to them. When dogs respond to stressful situations, certain behaviors can be triggered, which may sometimes be associated with a dog attack. Certain circumstances and breeds may also be associated with a dog attack. Massachusetts is a strict liability state concerning dog bites, which means that, regardless of the circumstances, pet owners are responsible for the harm their pets cause.
Massachusetts dog bite law seeks to keep the public safe, which is why different legal options may be available to victims of dog attacks. Dog liability insurance, in some instances, and other types of insurance as well, are commonly involved in ensuring a dog bite victim is compensated for the harm they have suffered, which is why it is important for victims to be familiar with the rights and options on their side if they have been injured in a dog attack.
Source: Canine Journal, “Dog Bite Statistics,” Sara Logan Wilson, Aug. 26, 2015
