Pit bulls have a reputation for being the most dangerous dog breed – but is this an accurate representation? Analyzing the facts and figures around pit bull attacks can shed light on the aggressive tendencies of this breed and the outcome of pit bull attacks, which is often catastrophic. If you get attacked by a pit bull in Texas, explore your rights by consulting with a Fort Worth dog bite attorney.
Why Are Pit Bull Attacks So Catastrophic?
When it comes to dog bite injuries, the severity of the harm caused will depend on factors such as the breed, size and sex of the dog. Certain breeds, particularly large dogs, can exert a great amount of pressure with their jaws when they bite. This can result in more damage caused to the victim’s body.
According to the World Animal Foundation, pit bulls have a bite force of 235 pounds per square inch (PSI). A pit bull’s jaws are capable of inflicting a high amount of pressure in a single bite, which can lead to broken bones, soft-tissue damage, skin lacerations and other significant injuries. If a pit bull goes for a victim’s face, neck or torso, the result of one or more bites can be fatal.
How Common Are Pit Bull Attacks?
Statistically, pit bulls are not at the top of the list of breeds that are involved in bite incidents; yet they are number one when it comes to deadly dog attacks. Statistics tracking fatal dog attacks in the United States from 2005 to 2019 show that out of 521 deaths, 346 were attributed to pit bulls. This equates to 66.4 percent of all fatal dog attacks in this 15-year period.
In 2019, the latest year data is available, pit bulls accounted for 69 percent of dog-bite-related fatalities. Mixed breeds had the second highest death rate, but pit bulls participated in 50 percent of deadly mixed breed attacks, as well. The most common victims killed in pit bull attacks are children and the elderly.
What Can Trigger a Pit Bull Attack?
Pit bulls may attack at random, but most often, they have a reason for snapping. They may be provoked by other dogs or the victim, for example, or suffer from neglect or abuse. In many cases, pit bull bites occur due to the dog feeling threatened, scared, anxious or in pain.
In these situations, pit bulls may act aggressively in self-defense. Pit bulls that have been abused or trained to be aggressive for dog fighting are also more likely to display vicious tendencies, as are those that lack proper socialization.
Legal Recourse for a Pit Bull Attack in Texas
Texas typically follows a one-bite rule when it comes to determining responsibility or liability for a pit bull attack. Under this rule, the owner of the pit bull can be held liable for injuries caused by the dog if the owner knew or reasonably should have known of the dog’s vicious propensities but did nothing to prevent the attack.
Contact an Attorney After a Pit Bull Attack in Texas
While pit bulls are not necessarily more likely to attack than other breeds, when they do attack, the severity of the injuries can be heightened due to their strong jaws and bite force. For this reason, it is important to work with an experienced injury attorney in San Antonio to seek justice and fair financial compensation if you get attacked by a pit bull in San Antonio.