This week marks “National Dog Bite Awareness Week,” which is being sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Spanning May 18th through May 24th, this national campaign is intended to bring attention to the prevalence of serious dog bites in the U.S., as well as what people can do to prevent these injuries. To underscore the messages of this campaign, the AVMA has presented a number of fascinating statistics regarding the incidence of dog bites in the U.S. on its website.

The AVMA’s National Dog Bite Awareness Week is trying to bring focus to the fact that dog bite injuries, which are common, are also preventable.

The AVMA’s National Dog Bite Awareness Week is trying to bring focus to the fact that dog bite injuries, which are common, are also preventable.

Some of the most interesting dog bite statistics are as follows:

  • Over the last decade, dog bites have been the 11th leading cause of nonfatal injuries to children between the ages of 1 and 4 years old. While dog bites are the 9th leading cause of these injuries to kids between 5 and 9 years old, they are the 10th most prominent cause of nonfatal injuries for children between 10 and 14 years old (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC).
  • In 2013, dog bite claims cost American insurance companies more than $483 million (according to the Insurance Information Institute).
  • In 2013, nearly 30,000 reconstructive procedures were performed to try to repair physical damage caused by dog bites (according to the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery).
  • While children, the elderly and postal workers are most commonly the victims of dog bites, in 2013, nearly 5,600 postal employees were reportedly the victims of dog attacks (according to the U.S. Postal Service).
  • When children are the victims of dog bites, about 2 out of every 3 of these incidents involve head and/or neck injuries (according to the American Humane Association).

The Takeaway

By bringing awareness to the incidence and effects of dog bites this week, the AVMA hopes to drive home the message that dog bites are preventable as long as dog owners are responsible about watching and restraining their dogs (particularly when they are in public).

Contacting the Boulder Dog Bite Lawyers at Cederberg Law

If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog, contact the Boulder dog bite lawyers at Cederberg Law by calling us at 303-499-0449 or emailing us using the form at the side of the screen.

Since 2011, our esteemed legal professionals have been successful at securing results and compensation for people who have been seriously injured by the negligence of others. Having handled countless cases, our attorneys have a deep understanding of the law, as well as the legal experience you need, and we can fiercely defend your rights in any legal setting. til you secure the maximum possible compensation for your injuries, expenses and losses.

At Cederberg Law, you will not be handed off to a paralegal or assistant. You will receive personal attention and professional service from an experienced lawyer who cares about you and who is dedicated to providing you with superior legal services at every stage of your case. In addition to offering free initial consults and contingency fee options, our lawyers make hospital visits to ensure that you have access to the legal support you need – whenever you need it.