Pitbull Dog Attacks on Humans Injuries and Costs

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Posted Oct 15, 2024

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A Man Walking with Pitbull
Credit: pexels.com, A Man Walking with Pitbull

Pitbull dog attacks on humans can have severe consequences. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, pitbulls are responsible for 62% of all dog bite-related fatalities in the United States.

In the United States, pitbulls are involved in a disproportionate number of dog bites and fatalities. In fact, a study found that pitbulls account for 15% of the dog population but 62% of dog bite-related fatalities.

Pitbull dog attacks can result in serious injuries, including lacerations, puncture wounds, and even fatalities. In 2019, a study found that pitbulls were responsible for 44% of all dog bite-related fatalities in the United States.

The costs associated with pitbull dog attacks can be staggering. In one case, a family was awarded $10 million in damages after their child was severely injured by a pitbull.

Pitbull Dog Attacks

Pitbull dog attacks can be devastating and often result in severe injuries or fatalities. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases that highlight the dangers of pitbull attacks.

Credit: youtube.com, Loose pit bulls bite people during trick-or-treat in Pennsylvania

A California man was killed in a pitbull attack in June 2016, with neighbors expressing surprise at the attack given the dog's usual friendly demeanor.

Pitbull attacks can occur even when the dog has no known history of viciousness or aggression. A Georgia woman was attacked and killed by a pitbull in her boyfriend's home in August 2016.

In some cases, pitbull owners may be held liable for their dog's actions. Police arrested the owner of two pitbulls that mauled a 60-year-old woman in August 2016.

The severity of pitbull attacks can vary greatly. A Michigan boy was killed in a pitbull attack in 2019.

Here are some recent examples of pitbull attacks:

  • June 2016: A California man was killed in a pitbull attack.
  • August 2016: A Georgia woman was attacked and killed by a pitbull in her boyfriend's home.
  • August 2016: A 60-year-old woman was mauled by two pitbulls in her front yard.
  • 2019: A Michigan boy was killed in a pitbull attack.

Laws and Regulations

Some states and cities have taken action against pit bulls, deeming them "inherently dangerous" and holding owners liable for any injuries they cause. This is the case in Maryland, as reported by the Baltimore Sun.

The U.S. Army has also acknowledged the high-risk nature of pit bulls, prohibiting them in some military housing units.

Credit: youtube.com, Victim questions state laws following pitbull attack

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have analyzed data and found that the following breeds are implicated in a majority of dog-bite fatalities:

  • Pit bulls
  • Rottweilers
  • German shepherds
  • Huskies
  • Wolf hybrids
  • Malamutes
  • Doberman pinschers
  • Chow-chows
  • Saint Bernards
  • Great Danes

No matter how the data is arranged, pit bulls consistently rank at the top of the list for attacks, with a wide margin separating them from the next breed, Rottweilers.

Injuries and Liability

Injuries from pitbull dog attacks can be severe and long-lasting. Almost 51 percent of dog bite attacks are from pit bulls, and many victims are adolescents under the age of twelve.

The initial physical injury can worsen with time, and almost 1 out of 5 dog bites becomes infected. Over 60 different kinds of bacteria have been found in dog mouths, which can cause diseases like rabies, Pasteurella, MRSA, and tetanus.

Victims of pitbull attacks may be entitled to compensation for medical costs and pain and suffering damages. In Ohio, victims have 6 years from the date of the bite or attack to make a claim.

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Credit: youtube.com, Dog bite injuries | Who is liable?

In some cases, the landlord may be held responsible for the behavior of a dangerous dog. If the landlord knew or had reason to know about the dog's aggressive nature, they can be sued for damages.

Here are some breeds that are implicated in a majority of dog-bite fatalities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • Pit bulls
  • Rottweilers
  • German shepherds
  • Huskies
  • Wolf hybrids
  • Malamutes
  • Doberman pinschers
  • Chow-chows
  • Saint Bernards
  • Great Danes

Dog Aggression

Dog aggression is a serious issue that can lead to injuries and liability for dog owners. Dogs exhibit several types of aggression that can result in biting.

Dogs can be triggered to exhibit dominance aggression when something is taken from them or they are disturbed while sleeping. This type of aggression is often directed at family members.

Defensive aggression can occur when a dog is approached too quickly and feels afraid. This type of aggression can be directed at both family members and non-family members.

Some dog breeds are more prone to aggression than others. According to reported attack rates, breeds such as those mentioned in the article have a higher-than-average reported attack rate.

A different take: Dog Attack

Credit: youtube.com, Dog Bite Liability Insurance: Common Aggression Triggers

Here are some common types of dog aggression:

  • Dominance Aggression: triggered by taking something from the dog or disturbing it while sleeping
  • Defensive Aggression: triggered by being approached too quickly
  • Territorial Aggression: directed at strangers approaching the home or yard
  • Predatory Aggression: directed at small and quick-moving animals and children
  • Pain Elicited Aggression: directed at anyone approaching the dog while it is in pain or injured
  • Punishment Elicited Aggression: directed at anyone who yells or hits the dog
  • Redirected Aggression: directed at anyone approaching the dog when it is in an aggressive state

Injuries

Injuries from pit bull attacks can be severe and long-lasting. Almost 51 percent of dog bite attacks are from pit bulls, according to a five-year study published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal.

Many victims are adolescents under the age of twelve. The initial physical injury can also worsen with time.

Almost 1 out of 5 dog bites becomes infected. Over 60 different kinds of bacteria have been found in dog mouths, which may cause serious diseases.

Some of these bacteria include rabies, Pasteurella, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), and tetanus. Rabies is rare in the United States, but the virus affects the brain and can be fatal.

Dog bites can cause serious disease in people with a weak immune system. In some cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream or lungs and cause life-threatening infections.

In Ohio, victims of pit bull injury have 6 years from the date of the bite or attack to make a claim for compensation.

Explore further: Dog Bites

Financial Consequences

Credit: youtube.com, Caught On Video: Police K-9 Attacked By Pit Bull In Anaheim

Paying the price for pit bulls is more than just a metaphor - it's a harsh reality for many homeowners and landlords. Homeowners and landlords with pit bulls or other recognized "bad dog" breeds often have to pay significantly higher insurance premiums.

The cost of owning a pit bull can be steep, and it's not just about the financial burden. Owners of pit bulls and other high-risk dogs are themselves high-risk people, according to a 2006 study from the Journal of Interpersonal Violence. They are significantly more likely to have criminal convictions for aggressive crimes, drugs, alcohol, domestic violence, crimes involving children and firearms.

This correlation between vicious dog owners and high-risk individuals has been confirmed in multiple studies. A 2009 report published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences found that vicious dog owners reported significantly more criminal behaviors than other dog owners. They were ranked higher in sensation seeking and primary psychopathy.

The financial consequences of owning a pit bull can be devastating, but they're not the only cost. A 2011 study in the Journal of Forensic Sciences found that vicious dog owners reported significantly higher criminal thinking, entitlement, sentimentality and super-optimism tendencies.

Specific Cases and Locations

Credit: youtube.com, CCTV shows dog that mauled 11-year-old girl as she walked to school

In the United States, pitbull dog attacks on humans have been reported in various locations, including Florida, where a 2018 study found that pitbulls were responsible for 36% of all dog bites resulting in fatalities.

Florida's high rate of pitbull-related fatalities has been linked to the state's large population of pitbulls.

For another approach, see: Pitbulls Good Hunting Dogs

Massachusetts Animal Bites

If you or a loved one has been bitten, attacked or fatally mauled by a pit bull dog, pittie mix, or any other dog breed in Massachusetts, you need an experienced attorney to pursue a claim against the dog’s owner or other responsible parties.

Our lawyers have a proven track record with over 35 years of legal experience in helping dog bite and accident victims pursue civil claims.

We assist accident victims throughout all of Massachusetts, including Plymouth County, Norfolk County, Bristol County, Cape Cod, and the Greater Boston area.

Our services are available in cities such as Brockton, Plymouth, Quincy, New Bedford, Hyannis, Cambridge, and many others.

We have helped victims in towns like Marshfield, Hingham, Duxbury, Weymouth, Fall River, Taunton, and more.

If you're in need of a lawyer, don't hesitate to reach out to us today.

Auburn Bay

Selective Focus Photo of Pitbull
Credit: pexels.com, Selective Focus Photo of Pitbull

Auburn Bay is a community in Calgary where a fatal dog attack occurred last month. The attack involved two pit bulls that escaped from a yard and charged a man walking his two dogs, killing one of them.

The owner of the pit bulls is facing 18 city bylaw charges, including animals causing death, animals biting a person, and having an unlicensed animal. These charges come with a mandatory court appearance and fines of up to $10,000 for each charge.

The dogs will undergo an independent behavioural assessment to determine their fate. There's a possibility they might be released back to the owner under a 'vicious dog' designation, but only if the owner agrees to behavioural modification training and proper fencing.

The community is still recovering from the traumatic event, with one of the victim's dogs, Joey, still recovering from surgery after the incident.

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Sources

  1. Dog Bites and Attacks: American Pit Bull & Bulldog (noonanlawma.com)
  2. CBS New York (cbslocal.com)
  3. Baltimore Sun (baltimoresun.com)
  4. higher insurance premiums (toptenreviews.com)
  5. Pit bull owner facing charges for fatal Auburn Bay dog attack (calgaryherald.com)
  6. The Pit Bull Locked Eyes With Me. Then Clamped My Throat (newsweek.com)
  7. attacks (caninejournal.com)
  8. CDC (cdc.gov)
  9. dog bites (iii.org)
  10. attacked and killed (jacksonville.com)
  11. attack (kcra.com)

Toni O'Reilly

Writer

Toni O'Reilly is a passionate and dedicated writer with a keen interest in animal welfare and health. With a strong foundation in research and storytelling, she has established herself as a reputable voice in the pet care industry. Her articles have covered a range of topics, including the beloved Rough Collie breed, providing readers with valuable insights and information on their care and well-being.