In 2016, 31 reported fatalities were caused by dog bites, and many more are injured due to dog bites every year. Out of these victims, the majority are children due to their vulnerability and size.
Though each dog is an individual with a unique temperament, there are a few breeds that tend to cause the majority of serious dog bite cases in Florida and nationwide.
- Pit Bull Terriers and mixes of a similar sort have been responsible for the majority of fatal or serious dog bites. When combined with Rottweilers, these two dog breeds account for a total of 77% of the recorded fatal dog bites between 2005 and 2016.
- During this same 12 year period, Pit Bulls and their mixes were responsible for a total of 254 deaths in the US, while Rottweilers caused 43 deaths.
- Other dog breeds that caused deaths included Labradors, American Bulldogs, Belgian Malinois, Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherds. These breeds combined were responsible for a total of 15 deaths in 2016.
- Out of the fatalities, around 80% were children under the age of 9.
- In 2016, 61% of fatal dog attacks involved more than just one dog.
- The majority of serious dog bites take place when a victim is visiting the home of an unfamiliar dog.
Keep in mind that many dogs often are too small to cause serious damage to a human. For example, Chihuahuas, Jack Russell Terriers and many herding breeds are prone to biting; however, these bites are rarely serious enough for medical attention.
While a dog may inflict the bite, owners are ultimately responsible. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a serious dog bite in Florida, the premises liability legal team at Lorenzo & Lorenzo is ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation at our Tampa office and learn what we can do for you.
