Are dog bites a common occurrence?

Dog bites and dog attacks happen far more often than people may think. Statistics show that there are approximately 78 million dogs in the United States, and the American Humane Society (AHS) estimates that roughly 4.7 million dog bites happen each year with 800,000 bites requiring medical attention. Approximately 25 percent of fatal dog attacks involve canines that are chained and 24 percent of fatal attacks are the result of dogs running loose.

Other Dog Bite FAQs:

• Are dog bites a common occurrence?
• Are dog bites common in Texas?
• Are the dog bite laws the same across Texas?
• Are there some common misconceptions about dog bite liability?
• Can you sue for a dog bite in Texas?
• Do I have to prove that the animal that attacked me is vicious?
• Do I have to prove the dog that attacked me was vicious?
• Do I need to take pictures after being bitten by a dog?
• How is liability for a dog bite established?
• How long does it take for a dog bite case to get to/go through court?
• I think the dog that bit me might have rabies. What do I do now?
• I was bitten by a dog the other day and needed stitches. Who is responsible/liable for the dog biting me?
• My mother witnessed a dog attack and someone said there was a possibility of filing a bystander claim. Is that possible?
• My neighbor’s dog bit me and he accused me of provoking the canine. Does that mean I don’t have a lawsuit?
• What am I supposed to do if I get bitten by a dog?
• What are the most common factors showing a dog owner knew or should have known their animal may be vicious?
• What are the worst injuries sustained during a dog attack?
• What compensation can I recover in a dog bite case?
• What do I do if a dog bites me?
• What happens if a dog not previously regarded as dangerous bites me?
• What is the current law in Texas in regard to dog bites?
• Who are usually the victims of dog bites?
• Who is responsible for paying damages in a dog bite case?
• Who responsible for paying any damages after the dog attack?