Utah Dog Bite Statistics

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Utah Dog Bite Statistics

By Steven Jensen
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February 1, 2022
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Dogs are man’s best friend, and their company can undoubtedly brighten a person’s day and help them feel less lonely. While dogs appear friendly and charming as pets, they can be sometimes dangerous. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dogs are owned by 36 percent of American households. In the United States, there are an estimated 90 million dogs. There is a high risk of dog bites in a community with that many dogs.

In this blog post, we will go over some statistics about how frequent dog attacks are, the consequences of dog bites, and the things you can do after you’re injured in a dog attack.

If you have suffered injuries from a dog attack in Utah, contact a personal injury attorney at Parker & McConkie so we can review your case. We offer a free consultation with one of our Utah dog bite attorneys. Reach us at (801) 845-0440.

How Frequent Are Dog Bites?

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Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 4.7 million victims of dog bites in the United States each year.

The CDC stated that many of these injuries are caused by dog attacks raised inhumanely and without enough training.

When this statistic is applied to the whole population of the United States, Americans have a 1:69 probability of getting bitten by a dog. These figures can differ from adults to children, especially if they interact with dogs daily.

What Are the Common Injuries Sustained in a Dog Bite in Utah?

Following a dog bite, the most crucial thing to consider is your health. The following are some of the most common dog bite injuries:

 A. Injuries that occur right away

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There may be instant injuries. The following are examples of these types of injuries:

  • Torn skin;
  • Broken bones;
  • Intensive bleeding; and
  • Damage to muscles and tendons.

That should take each victim to the hospital for immediate medical attention. These circumstances necessitate stitches or other specialized care that a trained practitioner can only provide.

B. Injuries That Aren’t Seen Right Away

These are some of the injuries that do not manifest right away. When they occur, they may appear to be minor or treatable at the time, but they might lead to serious consequences later and need medical attention ASAP. For example:

  1. Infection
  2. Rabies
  3. (PTSD) Post-traumatic stress disorder

Whether your dog bite claims are minor or severe, you should seek maximum compensation with the help of Utah personal injury attorneys.

Are Dog Bites Serious?

Luckily, the majority of dog attacks do not necessitate medical attention. According to the National Canine Research Council, 81% of dog bites are minor. The CDC estimates that roughly 800,000 victims of dog attacks necessitate medical attention each year; that’s still a huge number.

Consequences of Dog Bites

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As per the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite claims received $530 million in payouts in 2014. While these types of attacks are uncommon, the impact on victims who require medical attention can be significant. This emphasizes the importance of consulting with an attorney following a dog attack. We can talk to you about insurance and how the dog’s owner can be held liable in the event of negligence.

Dog bites can result in a variety of consequences. Infections, rabies, nerve or muscle injury, and other conditions are among them. If a dog bites you, a friend, or someone you care about, you may be obliged to pay for expensive medical treatment as a result of the attack.

Infections

A dog bite may be the reason for medical care. As per the CDC, 18% of dog bites can become infected. This should come as no surprise, given that a dog’s mouth contains around 60 different types of bacteria.

Rabies

The majority of dogs are rabies-vaccinated. However, this does not rule out the possibility of contracting rabies from a dog. Because rabies can be fatal if not treated before symptoms appear, it is critical to get medical attention after being attacked by a dog.

Following an animal attack, around 40,000 people receive a prophylactic rabies therapy called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). However, wild animals, not domesticated pets, are responsible for 90% of all rabies cases.

Cosmetic Reconstructive Surgery

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), more than 27,000 patients had reconstructive surgery to repair damage caused by dog bites. These procedures include the following:

  1. Scar tissue repair
  2. Ear repair
  3. Some advanced procedures, depending on how serious the dog attack

Death

On the bright side, the chances of dying from a dog attack are meager. Dogsbite.org made a note of it. In 2017, there were 39 dog bite deaths. Fifteen of the victims were children aged eight and younger. In comparison, you’re more likely to die from heart disease, cancer, air travel, and catastrophic storms than from a dog attack.

If you or your loved one died due to a dog attack, contact a wrongful death lawyer for help. They can help you hold the negligent dog owner liable and pay for the damages.

Crucial Things You Should Do After a Dog Attack

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The following procedures are some of the common steps you should take following a dog attack:

  • Seek medical attention right away

Despite their modest size, minor wounds can cause serious infections and lifelong scarring. Whether the wound is large or tiny, you should seek medical attention from a specialist to ensure that they perform some basic procedures. It should be cleaned correctly and sewed up if required. Some dog bite wounds can not only allow infection from germs in the bite but can also create an infection. If not handled properly, these can cause injury, be dangerous, and even be fatal. Dogs can also carry and spread rabies.

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions for dressing

Since infections are common in dog bite wounds, it’s essential to keep the infected area clean, replace the bandaging around them, and regularly practice adequate wound care procedures. Antibiotics are a must, even if prescribed as a preventative measure.

  • Notify your local Animal Control Officer about the event

You should report the incident. It is critical to do this task. Many cities and counties compel anyone who witnesses a dog attack to report it to the appropriate authorities. Animal control will next conduct an investigation and write a report identifying the animals’ rightful owner.

  • Locate eyewitnesses

If there are any witnesses, it is critical to record their names, addresses, and phone numbers to prove the incidence of dog bites.

  • Keep track of the bite wound

Taking images is a great way to demonstrate the magnitude of your suffering from dog bites.

  • Speak with an aggressive personal injury lawyer who handles dog bite claims

Medical attention and expenses can cost a lot, even if you have insurance. You may sustain significant injuries due to a severe dog bite event. You may also be required to take time off work while recovering from the dog attack.

An experienced and dedicated Utah dog bite injury attorney can explain your legal rights to you. It would be best if you avoid speaking with a dog owner’s insurance provider representative without a dog bite attorney on your side. They may offer you a lowballed settlement amount.

Injured in a Dog Attack in Utah? Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer ASAP!

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If a dog bites you, your friend, or a member of your family, don’t hesitate to contact Parker & McConkie, a personal injury law firm based in Utah. We’ll be there to help and guide you throughout your injury claim so you can get the total and fair compensation you deserve!

Our team is 24/7 available to assist and support you. We are always willing to assist. Contact us now at (801) 845-0440 or visit our office at 4055 S 700 E Suite 205, Salt Lake City, UT 84107, United States.

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Schedule a Free Consultation Now By Contacting Our Team at (801) 980-9708

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