The Dog Attack Danger Scale
Dog attacks maim thousands of people in California and other states every year and can cause very serious and even fatal injuries. An experienced California dog bite lawyer like those at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas can tell you that dog bite victims face expensive medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and emotional trauma that lasts well beyond the attack. There is a dog attack danger scale that identifies the most dangerous breeds and may be able to help prevent you from becoming an animal attack statistic. Here are the six signs of a dog attack that parents should teach their children and heed themselves:
1. A dog in its own yard and no master present
More than three in every four dog attack fatalities (78%) in 2008 were people killed by dogs protecting their own yards with their masters not around.
2. Pit bull, Rottweiler, Akita or Chow
Pit bulls have a nasty reputation because they’ve earned it. In 2008, 65% of all people killed in dog attacks were killed by pit bulls. The other three species are also notoriously aggressive and prone to attacking people.
3. The pack mentality
Pack behavior in many animals transforms docile animals into aggressive, deadly ones. More than one-third (39%) of all fatal dog attacks in 2008 involved multiple dogs attacking the victim.
4. Chained or tethered
Just because a dog is restrained does not mean it isn’t dangerous. Nearly one in ten fatal dog attacks in 2008 involved dogs that were restrained.
5. Male
Studies have shown repeatedly that male dogs are far more aggressive than female dogs.
6. Newness
A dog newly introduced into a home or a new person living in a home with a dog present is a dangerous situation for an average of 60 days. It is especially important to monitor dogs, even trustworthy, friendly ones, around small children for the first 60 days and beyond.
The presence of any one of these factors is dangerous. The presence of two or more should be avoided altogether. If you or a close family member has been injured in a dog attack, call 888.848.5084 and schedule a free consultation with the Los Angeles dog bite attorneys at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas.