Being attacked by a dog is a traumatic experience that can result in severe injury and even fatality. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4.7 million people suffer dog bites in the United States each year. The actual number may be higher because dog bites are generally underreported. While most dog bites cause no significant physical harm, about 800,000 people seek medical attention each year because of a dog bite.
Which Dog Breeds Are Most Likely to Bite?
All dogs can bite when threatened or scared, but some breeds or breed categories tend to be involved in dog bite incidents more frequently. About 22.5% of dog bites are attributed to pit bulls. While commonly confused for a single breed, pit bull is an umbrella term for a few different breeds: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the American Pit Bull Terrier. Mixed breed dogs are second most likely to bite, responsible for about 21% of bites. German Shepherds are the third most likely to bite, with 17% of dog bites. While these breeds have found themselves at the center of dog bite incidents, the American Veterinary Medical Association warns that it isn’t the dog’s breed that determines whether it will bite but its individual history and behaviors.
How to Avoid Being Bitten by a Dog
The easiest way to avoid being bitten by a dog is to not interact with dogs that you are not well acquainted with. Just because a stranger or even a friend or family member claims their dog is friendly, dogs can be easily frightened and confuse our playful gestures for something threatening. Even the best boys will bite when scared or stressed.
Understandably, many of us cannot resist the urge to pet or play with a fury friend; if you are going to engage with a dog, taking the following precautions can reduce your risk of being on the receiving end of a bite:
- Always ask the pet parent if it is ok to pet the dog.
- Let the dog see you and sniff you before petting; you can do this by slowly extending your hand toward the dog, stopping with the distance between your hand and the dog’s nose.
- If the dog seems nervous or does not engage, do not continue trying to pet the pup.
- Do not run to or away from the dog; slow movements are best.
- Do not engage with stray or unfamiliar dogs; strays are responsible for 15% of all dog bites.
If a dog does try to bite, try to get something between you and the dog; this can be anything you can grab quickly. If a dog jumps on you in attack, lie still in the fetal position and cover your face.
Rules to Teach Children to Avoid Dog Bites
Over half of the victims of fatal dog bites are children under the age of 16; almost 30% of those deadly attacks were children between the ages of one and four. Teaching children how to interact with dogs safely can be lifesaving. Having your child understand the following rules can help ensure their safety:
- Never pet a dog without parent or guardian permission and supervision.
- Never squeeze, step on, jump on, pinch, or drop a dog.
- Do not pull ears, tails, or touch paws.
- Do not pet or stand close to a dog eating, sleeping, caring for puppies, or otherwise distracted.
- Do not feed dogs treats without the supervision of an adult.
- Never back a dog into a corner.
- Do not put your face up to the dog’s face.
Contact an Experienced Illinois Dog Bite Attorney Today
Dog bites are a top cause of injury to Americans yearly; it isn’t just the mailman who is at risk (although over 5,300 postal workers were bitten by dogs in 2022). Like other leading causes of injury, like car accidents and slip and fall injuries, you may be entitled to compensation.
If you have been involved in a dog bite in Illinois, Cullotta Bravo Law can help. Our personal injury attorneys are experienced in dog bite claims and will navigate you through seeking compensation for your medical bills and any other damages you may be entitled to. Call us today at 630-898-7800 or reach out online to see how we can help with your case.