A Colorado dog bite lawyer breaks down the findings.
According to a recent Axios Denver study that analyzed which dogs are the most dangerous, certain dog breeds are responsible for the most animal attacks in Denver.
Researchers discovered three dog breeds accounted for the most dog bites – pit bulls, German shepherds, and Labrador retrievers.
Unfortunately, dog bite victims often sustain severe injuries, including puncture wounds, broken bones, eye injuries, permanent scarring, and disfigurement. In some tragic cases, the injuries can be fatal.
If you or someone you love has been attacked or bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation. The best way to find out if you have a case is to review your legal rights and options with an experienced dog bite attorney.
Most dangerous dog breeds in Denver
Axios Denver recently analyzed 2021 dog bite statistics compiled by Denver Animal Protection. The dog attacks were also rated based on the severity of the attack, from Level 2 (minor scratches) to Level 5 (multiple-bite injury).
Specifically, these three dog breeds were responsible for the following dog attacks last year in Denver:
Pit bulls
- 34 Level 2 dog bites
- 60 Level 3 (one to four shallow puncture marks) bites
- 12 Level 4 (one to four punctures with at least one deep puncture) bites
- 4 Level 5 dog bites
German Shepherds
- 22 Level 2 dog bites
- 31 Level 3 bites
- 8 Level 4 bites
- 2 Level 5 bites
Labrador retriever
- 36 Level 3 bites
- 4 Level 4 bites
Are pit bulls allowed in Denver?
Pit bulls have only recently been allowed back in Denver. For more than 30 years, the city banned residents from having pit bulls in the city. In 2020, Denver’s City Council voted in favor of a bill to repeal the city’s pit bull ban. Later that year, Denver's mayor vetoed the bill, which kept the pit bull ban in place. But in November 2020, Denver residents voted to remove the city’s pit bull ban, which legalized having pit bulls in the city, according to Colorado Politics.
As a result, Denver's 2021 dog bite figures represent the first time the city had a whole year to measure pit bull dog bites. Overall, Denver Animal Protection reported 117 bites in 2021 involving pit bull breeds, which include the American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, and Staffordshire bull terrier.
Dog bite statistics
Dog bites and similar animal attacks often occur throughout the country. An estimated 4.5 million dogs bite or attack people every year in the United States, according to animal attack statistics compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Of these dog attacks, an estimated 20 percent (900,000 dog bites) require emergency medical attention. In addition, many dog bites and animal attacks involve kids. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 51 percent of dog bite victims are children.
What to do if a dog bites you
If you or a loved one has been attacked or bitten by a dog, it’s important that you take certain steps right away to protect your health and your rights, including:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Dog bites can be serious. Infections caused by dog bites are prevalent as well. Have a doctor examine you right away and diagnose exactly what’s wrong.
- Call the police and tell them a dog has attacked you.
- Get the dog owner’s name, address, and phone number if you don't already have it.
- Take pictures of your injuries. That way, you have photographic proof a dog attacked you.
- Call a lawyer as soon as possible to get a clear understanding of your legal rights and options. The longer you wait to take action, the weaker your case can become.
Talk to a Colorado dog bite attorney today.
Dog bite cases can be complicated. Sometimes, it’s because the dog’s owner denies responsibility. Other times, the dog's owner might claim you provoked the attack. In addition, the insurance company is not on your side. Unfortunately, you can count on them doing everything in their power to delay, dispute, or deny your dog bite claim.
At The Longo Firm, LLC in Colorado Springs, we know how to handle cases involving dog bites and animal attacks. When you trust our law firm to represent you, we will ensure your rights are respected and your case gets the attention it deserves.
Attorney Stephen A. Longo and his talented legal team can review your case and explain your options during your free and confidential case evaluation. Discover what we can do for you. Contact us today. We handle dog bite injury claims throughout Colorado and Arizona.