Nearly 5 million people are bitten by dogs each year with 20 percent of those bites resulting in injuries that need medical attention, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. In 2013, 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of a dog bite, and 32 died from dog bites. Although many pit bulls are affectionate and never bite humans, the breed was responsible for 25 of those 32 fatalities.
Top Five Largest Pit Bull Injury Verdicts
The National Trial Lawyers organization recently compiled a list of the top five largest pit bull bite verdicts:
5) Owner Held Liable for Dog Bite in Connecticut, Victim Awarded $15,815
A Connecticut state court awarded a 28-year-old female $15,815 after she was bit in the face by a pit bull. The woman sustained a cut on her right eye that required stitches.
4) $108,000 Settlement in Oregon Dog Bite Case
An Oregon court awarded $108,000 for injuries a 43-year-old woman sustained from a pit bull attack at a party. The victim, who had to undergo facial plastic surgery and suffered permanent loss of sensation in her lip, claimed the owners were negligent because they allowed the dog to roam freely.
3) Town in New York Liable for $150,000 For Failure to Protect Against Dog Attack
A jury ruled the Town of Hamburg, New York was liable for failing to protect an 82-year-old woman and awarded her $150,000 after a neighbor’s dog attacked her in her own yard. The woman, who suffered a severe wrist fracture, had previously filed complaints about the dog, claiming it had attacked other dogs and once attempted to break into her house. Town wardens visited her and assured her safety. She argued she justifiably relied on the assurances, and the town assumed a duty to protect her.
2) Washington Woman Awarded $1.2 Million
A 65-year-old woman was attacked by a neighbor’s two pit bulls while walking in the neighborhood. She sustained several injuries because of the dog bites and, while hospitalized, had a heart attack and died.
1) $37 Million Jury Verdict For Dog Attack in Dekalb County, GA
An 8-year-old girl was mauled by two pit bulls after the owners let them run free and unleashed. The attack resulted in multiple severe injuries and doctor had to amputate part of her left arm.
At The Law Offices of Aaron Allison, we are here to help victims by aggressively pursuing compensation for anything a dog attack has cost them. If you have questions about your ability to file a dog bite claim, call our office at (512) 474-8346 to schedule your free consultation.
The Law Offices of Aaron Allison – Austin Injury Attorney
