Illinois Dog Attack Lawyers

DOG BITE STATISTICS

Dog bites are among the most common types of injuries people in the United States suffer. Although most people don't view these as major injuries, dogs can cause significant damage and severe injuries that may require a person to have reconstructive or plastic surgery. A dog attack can also traumatize a person immensely causing him or her to have nightmares and panic attacks. The numbers and statistics involving dog bites in this country tell the story of how significant dog attacks can be and what specific and dangerous types of breeds cause the most damage.

• According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, an estimated 4.7 million dog bites occur in the United States each year.
• Approximately 799,700 persons required medical care.
• Out of an estimated 333,700 patients treated for dog bites in emergency rooms, approximately 6,000 were hospitalized.
• The state of Illinois has the highest number of dog attack-related fatalities in the country next to California and Texas.
• About 5 percent dog bite injuries are work-related, they occur to persons who are delivering mail, packages or food; working at an animal hospital or shelter; or doing home repair work, installations or cleaning. Among people aged 16 years or older, that number rose to about 8 percent.
• Injuries occurred most commonly to the arm/hand (45.3 percent), leg/foot (25.8 percent), and head/neck (22.8 percent).
• The majority, about 65 percent, of injuries among children aged 4 years or under, were to the head/neck region
• Between 1979 and 1996, pit-bulls were responsible for 60 fatalities, the highest among all dog breeds. Rottweilers were the second most dangerous dog breed with their involvement in 29 deaths. German Shepherds were third and the Husky and Alaskan malamute took fourth and fifth positions respectively on this dubious list.
• In 2001, an estimated 68 million canines were kept as pets in the United States.
• According to the United States Postal Service, the number of mail carriers who have been bitten over the last six years has been significantly high: 3,158 in 2001; 3,070 in 2002; 3,743 in 2003; 3,429 in 2004, 3,273 in 2005; and 3,184 in 2006.

If you or a loved one has been severely injured by a vicious or aggressive dog, contact a Chicago animal attack attorney Page and Cagle for a free consultation. Our Illinois dog attack victim lawyers will do what it takes to protect your legal rights and secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.