Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyers

Attorney Representation in Phoenix Arizona Since 1996

Dog Bite Statistics

The debate over dog bite statistics in Arizona can grow contentious, particularly when bite-related fatalities are included. Some independent researchers put the number of fatalities at around 30 per year; whereas the Center for Disease Control and the Journal of the American Medical Association contend the figure is closer to 17. Advocates of the independent research suggest that the CDC and JAMA are using outdated data and extrapolating trends incorrectly.

Here are some other statistics of interest:

• The US Postal Service tracks dog bites suffered by mail carriers. They report around 3,000 incidents annually.
• CDC figures put the number of hospital visits related to dog bites at 1,000 a day.
• Children under the age of 14 are at heightened risk for dog bite injuries. Whether their size makes it difficult for them to fend off attacks or whether young kids tend to be more rambunctious around dogs is a matter of debate.
• States that have the "one free bite" law include: Alaska, Hawaii, Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Vermont. Another region where the law applies the upper peninsula of Michigan.
• Three states operate under so-called mixed statute laws regarding liability: Georgia, New York and Tennessee.
• All remaining states, including Arizona, abide by the principle of strict liability. In Arizona, lawsuits must be brought within one year to merit the protections afforded by strict liability laws.
• In the mid 90's, the Journal of the American Medical Association estimated that dog bites cost Americans over a billion dollars a year; some pundits argue that the JAMA estimate undervalues the problem, and that costs could be twice that number.

For more Arizona dog bite stat information, check out the numbers compiled by the Insurance Information Institute, the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Centers for Disease Control, and reputable websites that track smaller (but no less accurate) studies of this issue.

For questions regarding dog bite liability in Arizona, connect with the Breyer Husband and Wife Law Team. We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and we boast an extensive track record and excellent reputation for client satisfaction. Mark Breyer is part of a small percentage of Arizona personal injury attorneys who have been awarded the State Bar of Arizona's certification as an injury and wrongful death specialist. Contact us for a free analysis of your potential Arizona dog bite claim.

Please visit our Arizona Dog Bite Injury Website for more information

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