Hospitalizations Due to Dog Bites Increase Dramatically
Americans own over 77 million dogs, and every year, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs, though the majority of these dog bites aren’t serious. On average, about 866 people a day visit an emergency room for dog bites injuries, and about 26 of these people a day are admitted to hospitals for treatment of their injuries. However, a recent study has shown that the number of serious dog bites has increased dramatically in recent years – from 5,200 in 1993 to 9,500 in 2008, according to The Los Angeles Times.
Certain segments of the population are more at risk for being seriously injured by dog bites. The study found that senior citizens and young children are the most likely to be seriously injured by a dog bite. Interestingly, most of the hospital visits due to dog bites are made by people who live in rural areas as opposed to urban areas. People in rural areas visit a hospital’s emergency room for dog bites four times as often as urban residents.
Those people who were admitted to the hospital for their dog bite injuries usually had one of three medical issues. Over 40 percent of those admitted had skin infections from the bite. A little over 20 percent were treated for open wounds on the arms and legs, and over 10 percent had open wounds on the head, neck, or torso. Other common injuries stemming from a dog bite were internal injuries or broken arms or legs. Over half of those hospitalized for a dog bite injury required surgery.
It’s important to remember that while most dogs seem harmless, they can still bite. If you have been bitten by a dog in Missouri, contact the Missouri dog bite attorneys at Page Law, LLC. We can help you determine whether the dog’s owner can be held liable for your injuries. Call us today at 1-314-488-2433 for a free consultation.
