National dog bite victims’ group DogsBite.org has published its findings regarding dog bite fatalities in the U.S. for 2012. As a parent, your primary objective is to keep your child safe. Though these statistics may shock you, it will also remind you of the risks associated with having your child near a dog.

California among the Leading States for Dog Bite-Related Deaths

California and North Carolina were among the leading states for dog-related deaths. Each state saw four people lose their lives in dog attacks. In California, San Diego County saw three of those four deaths. Other leading states included Texas, Ohio, and New Mexico, each with three.

A Breakdown by Breed

According to DogsBite.org, 38 people in the U.S. lost their lives in 2012 due to dog attacks. Of those deaths:

  • Pit bulls accounted for 23 deaths.
  • Rottweilers accounted for 8 deaths.
  • German shepherds accounted for 2 deaths.

Children among the Highest at Risk

Unfortunately, children represent the highest percentage of dog-related fatality victims. Of the total killed by canines in 2012:

  • 19 were under the age of eight.
  • Of that number, 15 were under the age of two.
  • Of those children killed, 75 percent were killed while visiting or temporarily living with the owner of the attacking dog.

Other Key Findings

It’s no secret that any dog can attack without warning. According to DogsBite.org, five percent of the 2012 fatalities came from a tethered dog. In addition, dogs considered to be “rescue” animals accounted for 13 percent of those deaths.

When a Dog Attacks

Dog attacks can be catastrophic for anyone, but more so for children. Not only can a dog leave a child with a permanent physical scar, but a child can suffer a lifetime of emotional consequences, as well. Fortunately, there is something you can do if you or your child is attacked by someone else’s pet.

Call an Experienced Dog Bite Injury Attorney

An experienced dog bite injury attorney can help you hold the dog’s owner liable for your child’s injuries. Attorney Keith J. Stone has represented countless dog bite injury victims and can help you get the compensation you deserve.

If you or your child has been attacked by a dog and suffered injuries, you should call San Diego dog bite injury attorney Keith J. Stone at (619) 531-2022 or 888-59-HELP-NOW. He will help you understand and defend your rights to compensation.

The San Diego-based Office of attorney Keith J. Stone serves the following areas in Southern California:

San Diego, Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Ventura Counties including the cities of:

San Diego, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Riverside, Chula Vista, Irvine, Glendale, San Bernardino, Huntington Beach, Oxnard, Fontana, Moreno Valley, Oceanside, Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Clarita, Garden Grove, Ontario, Pomona, Palmdale, Pasadena, Corona, Torrance, Escondido, Lancaster, Orange, Fullerton, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, El Monte, Inglewood, Costa Mesa, Downey, West Covina, Victorville, San Buenaventura (Ventura), Norwalk, Burbank, Carlsbad, Temecula, South Gate, Murrieta, Mission Viejo, Rialto, Compton, El Cajon, Carson, Vista, Westminster, Santa Maria, Santa Monica, Santa Barbara, Hawthorne, Alhambra, Hesperia, Whittier, Newport Beach, Chino, San Marcos, Buena Park, Lakewood, Indio, Baldwin Park, Chino Hills, Blythe

Keith J. Stone also handles cases originating elsewhere in California and across the USA.