The 13th Highest Number Of Nonfatal Emergency Room Injuries Come From Dog Bites

In a recent study by the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) it was reported that among all nonfatal emergency room visits between 2005-2018 (the most recent year statistics are available) the 13th leading reason for a visit to the emergency room was dog bites.  

The study looked at statistics nationally and in New York State.  It is also reported out that among these nonfatal injuries the highest incident rates came from injuries involving children, people in less populated areas, and those that live in impoverished communities.  

In that later group, it was also seen that in communities where poverty is an issue, dog bite injuries may be more prevalent due to the fact that many dogs in these communities are not being spayed and neutered.    

While nonfatal injuries are not the focus of many emergency rooms they can be very serious and need attention.  Dog bite injuries are a source of concern from a national public health perspective.

Dog ownership in the United States is spiraling upward and is now at its highest point in decades.  This presents risks that the precipitous drop off that was seen of dog bite injuries after 2011 may slow and actually reverse as more and more individuals and families take the step of adding a dog to their home.  If the increase continues there is reason to believe that the incidence of dog bites will also increase.If you or a loved one were injured in a Connecticut dog bite incident you may need to speak to an experienced attorney.  Reach out to our office and either our doctor/attorney or nurse/attorney will review your case from both a medical and legal standpoint.