Dog bite injuries affect approximately 4.7 million people in the United States annually. Of this population, about 800,000 dog bite victims require medical treatment each year. Most dog bite victims are children, as it is the second leading cause of injury to minors. Dog bite attacks account for one out of three homeowner's liability insurance claims, which translates into more than one billion dollars in pay-outs annually. Dog bite claims fall under the umbrella of personal injury law, where an injured party has the legal right to seek compensation for injuries caused by another party's actions or negligence.

There are many reasons why a dog may attack. Many dog bite injuries occur when a dog is trying to defend or protect his territory, establish dominance over his/her victim, is in a new, unfamiliar, or threatening environment, and when disturbed while eating, sleeping, or coveting a toy or treat.

There are several factors that may increase the likelihood that a dog will bite.

• A dog that is not altered is three times more likely to bite.

• A Dog may often attack when they are chained up or the victim of any form of mistreatment.

• Male dogs bite more often than females, especially those between the ages of one and five.

• All breeds of dog bite, although statistic show that Rottweilers and Pit Bulls perpetrate approximately half of all dog bite related fatalities.

If you are involved in a dog bite incident it is important to first establish if medical treatment in necessary. Gaining pertinent information about the dog, its owner, and any witnesses is also crucial. A dog bite victim may also want to report the incident to local police or animal control authorities. Contacting an experienced dog bite injury attorney is essential in order to fully understand your legal rights and options regarding a potential dog bite litigation proceeding, and can help maximize and protect your interests in a dog bite case.

At The Davis Law Office, we vigorously represent the rights of individuals injured as a result of a Dog Bite, Animal Attack or other personal injury accidents due to the negligence or carelessness of others.

Contact Mark A. Davis at (419) 297-5088 to schedule a confidential consultation regarding your Dog Bite Liability legal issues.