Pit Bull Attacks

July 16, 2019 | Dog Bites

Pit Bulls are often labeled “dangerous dogs” because of their naturally aggressive behavior and the number of people that train Pit Bulls to fight and harm others. Between 2005 to 2018, Pit Bulls killed approximately 471 people in the U.S.. With 59% of dog bite attacks caused by Pit Bulls, this is a serious problem. The Dixon Injury Firm has created the following guide on Pit Bull attacks in the U.S. to hopefully raise awareness of the issue, and offer guidance to victims and their family members during this terrible time.

Common Injuries Caused By Pit Bull Attacks

Pit Bull attacks are often severe and can cause lasting or permanent injuries, and unavoidable scarring depending on the circumstances of the accident. The primary victims of Pit Bull accidents are children under the age of 9, and adults over the age of 30, with the most common injuries suffered in Pit Bull attacks including:

  • Face injuries – nose, lips, eyes
  • Lacerations – typically involving the victim’s arms, legs, and chest
  • Head trauma – ear damage, skull fractures, and nerve damage
  • Broken bones – Pit Bulls often weigh between 30-80 pounds, don’t carry much fat on them, and have high levels of natural energy that could easily knock over the average adult, or small child, and cause broken or fractured bones

What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Pit Bull Attack?

There are many ways that a Pit Bull attack can occur, whether it’s due to an owner’s negligence, provocation by the victim, or the victim trespassing on private property at the time of the accident. Regardless of the cause of a Pit Bull accident, the fact of the matter remains the same; Pit Bull attacks are entirely preventable but are still a significant problem in the U.S.

If you are one of the thousands of victims injured in the U.S. every year in Pit Bull attacks, it’s essential to know what to do to protect the details of your case, prevent the “dangerous dog” from harming others, and recover compensation from the animal’s owner for the dog’s dangerous actions. The first thing that needs to be done after a Pit Bull attack is getting medical treatment for your injuries. Any injuries that were caused in the attack will be recorded by your physician in a medical report, which can be compelling evidence for your claim. After being examined by a physician, it’s crucial to involve the police. A police report preserves details from the accident, such as who was involved, when the accident happened, whether the attack occurred on public or private property, and if there were any witnesses to the attack.

After filing a police report, it’s essential to inform Animal Control of the attack. Animal Control maintains records of dog attacks, and filing a claim can help prevent other people from being harmed by the dangerous dog. Not to mention, by contacting Animal Control, you’ll have access to past reports against the dog, its vaccination records, owner information, etc. Finally, after filing reports of the Pit Bull attack, it’s crucial to hire an experienced lawyer to help you create a compelling claim against the dog’s owner.

Dangerous Dog Ordinances and Statutes

Certain dog breeds are more likely than others to cause an unprovoked attack; Pit Bulls are at the top of the list, along with Rottweilers. These breeds, called “dangerous dogs,” have such a propensity to be dangerous, that in some cities, residents are banned from owning them, or are required to follow strict conditions for owning a “dangerous dog.” These limitations are called breed specific legislation and statutes, and are present in most states, but not all.

Talk to a Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you are injured in a Pit Bull attack, the dog’s owner could be liable to compensate you for damages, including but not limited to medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, and loss of consortium. However, depending on the circumstances of the accident, including who was involved, where it happened, and what caused the attack, the dog’s owner could attempt to push back against your claim; the Dixon Injury Firm can protect your right to file a claim and recover compensation for your injuries and financial damages caused in the accident.

The St. Louis Dog Bite Lawyers at the Dixon Injury Firm understand that even once a victim’s physical injuries heal, mental and emotional damage is often still present under the surface. Christopher Dixon is committed to fighting for the maximum amount of damages for your Pit Bull case and ensuring that the dog’s negligent owner is responsible for the animal’s dangerous actions. To date, the Dixon Injury Firm has recovered more than $35,000,0000 in damages and recoveries for personal injury victims in St. Louis, including Pit Bull attack victims, and his efforts have received recognition from the National Trial Lawyers Association as a “Top 100 Trial Lawyer.”

If you are interested in learning more about how Christopher Dixon and the Dog Bite Lawyers in St. Louis can fight for the most compensation for your Pit Bull attack case, call (314) 208-2808, or contact the Dixon Injury Firm today to schedule a free consultation with our St. Louis Dog Bite Lawyers.