How many fatal dog attacks happen every year?

If you get chased by an aggressive dog while you’re out for a run or while walking your own dog, you may worry about a bite injury. It can be terrifying, you could worry about immediate pain and suffering, and you may consider the long-term ramifications of an infection. But, as that event unfolds, do you ever think about the risk of a fatal accident?

Most people don’t. Even when they think dog bites are serious and a real risk, they rarely think that things could go that far. But the unfortunate truth is that, all too often, that’s exactly what happens.

The long-term statistics of dog bite fatalities

There have been numerous studies on this issue. One that came out in 2018 looked at data running all the way from 2005 to 2017. This long-term approach, rather than just looking at a single year, allowed the researchers to identify key trends.

One thing that they found was that 433 people lost their lives in dog attacks during that time. Many of them were children, as children are always at greater risk. They may be more likely to get attacked due to not recognizing the danger, and their small size means that head and neck injuries are more likely.

The study also found that the breed of the dog does matter. For instance, out of those 433 fatal incidents, pit bulls were involved in 284 of them. That is about 66%, or close to two out of every three deaths.

What can you do about a dog bite injury?

Have you or your child suffered an injury from a dog? If so, make sure you know exactly what legal steps to take to protect your rights and get all of the compensation you are due. Dog bites can leave long-lasting physical and emotional scars, and compensation can help you pay for your needs.