Known as ‘man’s best friend’, a dog can be a welcome and loving addition to the home. They offer undying loyalty to their owner, companionship, and plenty of fun over the years. But not every dog breed is quite so happy-go-lucky, as some are known for being more dangerous than others. More often than not the danger they pose is to strangers or those who don’t live in their home, as they aren’t part of the “pack”. If you or a loved one is attacked by a dog, an Omaha personal injury attorney may be able to help.
Let’s take a look at which dog breeds are the most dangerous here in Omaha, Nebraska.
How Common are Dog Bites?
As the Nebraska Human Society stresses to people, animal bites can be extremely dangerous and there is a risk of rabies transmission. They point out that attacks and bites tend to happen when a dog is injured or feels scared and/or threatened, but that’s not always the case. In terms of how many dog bites happen each year, according to the National Safety Council, it’s more than 4.5 million across the country. And of those, almost one in five will become infected.
It was just a couple of short months ago that two people suffered serious injuries from a dog attack in Omaha, Nebraska, both having to be rushed to the hospital. The state even has a Dangerous Dog Statute, where a dog can be classified as a ‘dangerous dog’ or a ‘potentially dangerous dog’.
Be Aware of Breed Specific Regulations
There are also breed-specific regulations put in place by the Nebraska Humane Society that owners must follow. These breeds need to be leashed, harnessed and muzzled whenever outside, unless in a yard with a secure fence. Also, the owner must be at least 19 years of age.
In Nebraska, the regulations apply to breeds such as these:
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Pitbull Terrier
- American Bulldog
- Presa Canario
- Dogo Argentina
- Cane Corso
The Most Dangerous Breeds
If you are wondering what the most dangerous breeds here in Omaha, Nebraska are, the following tend to be commonly cited. However, keep in mind that it also comes down to training and the owner.
- German Shepherd
- Rottweiler
- Siberian Husky
- Terriers
- Pit Bulls
- Jack Russell
- Chihuahuas
- Tosa Inu
- Cocker Spaniel
What people sometimes are surprised to learn is that it’s not just medium and large-sized breeds that bite. Sure, there are some powerful breeds on that list, but remember, if a dog feels scared, cornered, threatened or perhaps is injured, their odds of biting become much higher. Even the way you approach a dog can determine how likely you are to be bitten.
Generally speaking, the dog is always going to pose more of a danger to strangers than their owners/family members, so you’re already at an increased risk in that sense. Some of these breeds can also be hard to spot visually if you’re not a dog expert, especially if they are a mixed breed and may not show the typical markings or characteristics.
What If You’ve Been Bitten by Someone Else’s Dog?
So, what happens if you’re a victim of one of these more dangerous breeds in Omaha, Nebraska, or any breed for that matter? What should you do if you’re bitten or hurt by someone else’s dog due to negligent behavior on their part? The fact is that your medical bills can be high, and depending on your injuries, you may be unable to work in the short-term, or even permanently.
Common personal injuries sustained after a dog bite or attack can include broken bones, puncture wounds, lacerations and nerve damage to any place on the body, but particularly the eyes, face, neck and back. If the dog isn’t up to date on its shots, you may need rabies treatment. Victims can be left with permanent scars, chronic pain and nerve damage.
The physical and mental trauma of a dog attack is vast, and that’s why we encourage you to contact us at Monge & Associates as soon as possible after the incident occurs. We have offices in 31 locations across 18 states, including Omaha, Nebraska; Denver, Colorado; Des Moines, Iowa; Wichita, Kansas; St. Louis, Missouri; and Salt Lake City, Utah. We want to hear from you, hear about the events and then advise you on the best course of action, as you could be eligible for compensation.
Call now for a free Consultation at 800-421-0174 if you have suffered injuries due to a dog attack/bite. Let Monge & Associates look after the legal matters so you can focus on recovery.