Dog attacks can leave victims injured and disfigured. In some cases, a severe dog attack may even lead to a fatality. Here are some statistics about dog attacks in Maine and throughout the United States.
General Dog Bite Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the ASPCA:
- 4.5 million dog bites are reported in the United States each year.
- 334,000 individuals in the United States who are attacked visit the emergency room for their injuries each year.
- 1 in 5 dog bites will become infected, which may lead to other complications.
- 2 percent of individuals who visit the emergency room for dog bites will be hospitalized. The remainder are treated and released in the same day.
- Children are more likely to be attacked by dogs than adults, and those aged 5 to 9 are at the highest risk.
Breed-Specific Statistics
- The breeds most likely to be involved in severe dog attacks include pit bulls, boxers, sharpeis, fila brasieros, dogo argentinos, mastiffs, cane corsos, presa canarios and rottweilers.
- This group of breeds is responsible for 86% of dog attacks that lead to bodily harm and 76% of fatal attacks.
- Despite their extensive role in attack-related injuries, these breeds make up only 9.2% of the total dog population in the United States.
- Pit bulls attack more people than any other breed in the United States. From 1982 to 2014, pit bulls alone were responsible for nearly 3,400 attacks. 1,312 victims were adults, while 1,355 victims were children. 2,110 victims were maimed and 295 victims died as a result of their injuries.
- Rottweilers are responsible for the second highest number of attacks in the United States. From 1984 to 2014, rottweilers were involved in 535 attacks with 141 adult victims and 297 minor victims. 296 of these victims were maimed and 85 victims died from their injuries.
- The third most frequent perpetrator of dog attacks in the United States is the pit bull mix, which was responsible for 206 attacks from 1982 to 2014. 78 of victims attacked were children, while 54 were adults. 115 victims were maimed and 12 died from their injuries.
Maine Dog Bite Statistics
- Multiple dog attacks occur in the state of Maine each year, but they are rarely fatal.
- The last death in Maine related to a dog attack occurred in 2011.
Seeking Legal Counsel
If you or someone you love is attacked by a dog in Maine, you may be entitled to compensation. Liability under Maine law may be based on claims for negligence, strict liability, and statutory liability. The owner or keeper of the dog may be responsible for damages related to the attack, including medical bills, lost wages and compensation for permanent injuries such as scars.
If you or a loved one was a victim of a dog attack, consider consulting with a lawyer. To learn more about your legal options under Maine law, please contact the experienced dog bite attorneys at Fales & Fales, P.A.
