According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Veterinary Medical Association:

• Every 40 seconds someone in the United States seeks medical attention for a dog bite-related injury.
• Dog attacks cause 4.5 million injuries annually, 800,000 of which require medical attention.
• At least 25 different breeds of dogs have been involved in the 238 dog bite-related fatalities in the United States.
• Pit bulls and rottweilers account for over half of these deaths.
• 24% of human deaths involve unrestrained dogs off of their owners' property.
• 58% of human deaths involved unrestrained dogs on their owners' property
• Children under 15 years of age are the most common victims, making up approximately 70% of all dog bite victims.
• Dog bites are a greater health problem for children than measles, mumps, and whooping cough combined.
• Young boys between the ages of five and nine are the most frequent victims.

Prevent dog attacks: What can pet owners do?

• Choose your dog carefully. Select a breed or type of dog that is appropriate for your family and home.
• Socialize your dog. Be sure your dog interacts with all members of the family, as well as people outside the family and with other animals.
• License your dog, obey leash laws, and take care to properly fence yards. Dogs that are allowed to roam loose outside the yard expand their "territory," and will often defend it aggressively.
• Neuter your dog. Neutering reduces aggression, especially in males. Un-neutered dogs are more than 2.6 times more likely to bite than neutered dogs.
• Train your dog. Basic obedience training is as important for the owner as it is for the dog.
• Maintain your dog's health. Not only is it the right thing for the dog, but it also reduces bite responses caused by pain or irritability.
• Be sure your dog is vaccinated for rabies and other diseases.
• Provide your dog with adequate food, shelter, exercise, and affection. Tethering or chaining dogs makes them feel vulnerable and increases their aggression.
• Don't play aggressive games with your dog.

With dog bite injuries, the owner is strictly liable for any damage or injuries caused by the actions of their dogs - bites are not required. This type of law is known as "strict liability", or liability without fault.

If a dog causes injury, the owner (or in some cases, the keeper watching the dog or landlord who allowed the tenant to have a dog) may be liable for the following damages:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and any loss of earning capacity
• Pain and mental suffering
• Damages for all scarring and tissue damage
• Property damage
  

In the event of a scarring injury, medical expenses can be costly. Dog bites can result in a life-long scar which can be seriouse. If a child is bitten, it usually happens around the head or face because of their relative small size. Scarring injuries can cause physical problems, and may require psychological counseling if emotional trauma gets severe.

Does homeowners insurance cover dog bite cases?

Homeowners insurance does cover dog bite injuries, unless it is specifically excluded from the policy. Damages covered by homeowners insurance in a dog bite case include medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering, future plastic surgery costs and psychological counseling, if necessary.

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