Beware of Dog Bites

Plastic Surgeons, Insurance Agents Join Forces To Put the Muzzle on Dog Bites

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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. -- More than 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year -- most of them children, according to the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS) and the Independent Insurance Agents of America (IIAA), who are joining forces to launch "Beware the Bite," a national dog bite prevention campaign. The public education campaign kicks off with a press conference on May 17, the start of National Dog Bite Prevention Week.

Dog bites cause an average of 18 deaths a year.

"Dog bites and dog bite-related deaths are a very real threat with very real costs, both medically and from an insurance standpoint. That is why ASPRS and IIAA are working together to raise public awareness and prevent dog bites," said Paul Schnur, M.D., President of ASPRS.

Of the 800,000 estimated dog bite-related injuries requiring medical treatment a year, almost $165 million is spent treating them nationwide. Dog bites cost society over $1 billion a year, with insurance companies paying out about $250 million of that in dog bite liability claims nationwide. As many as one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims may be related to dog attacks, according to insurance industry statistics.

Sadly, children are worst affected by dog attacks and comprise 60 percent of all dog bite victims. Of children seen in emergency rooms for dog bites, 73 percent were bitten on the face, neck and head, compared to just 30 percent for adults.

"Plastic and reconstructive surgeons all too often see the tragic consequences of dog bites to children as they treat young patients with severe lacerations to the face and head that carry the potential of lifetime scarring," said Dr. Schnur.

"Children pay a disproportionate price in dog attacks," Dr. Schnur stressed. Increased prevention and awareness of dog bites is key to protecting the safety and well-being of thousands of Americans -- both young and old."

Dog owners can also be at financial risk if their dog bites someone. Some insurance companies increasingly are limiting or denying liability coverage to owners of certain breeds of dogs considered more likely to bite.

"Homeowners and renters who own dogs should never go without liability insurance, or they may be in for a rude awakening if sued," said Madelyn Flannagan, IIAA's director of research and information. "Dog owners must be aware of the financial as well as the physical implications of letting dogs roam and not taking precautions to prevent injuries. This holds true even at home, because an estimated 70 percent of dog attacks occur on the owner's property."

Dog bites are becoming more prevalent, as witnessed by the 37 percent jumin medically treated dog bites from 1986 to 1994 -- a period when the dog population rose less than 2 percent.

"Unfortunately, more dogs are attacking -- due partially to a lack of proper training and to the fact that more crime-cautious customers are training dogs to be more aggressive. Also, more unwitting victims are suing. It is imperative that dog owners take precautions to protect themselves and others," Flannagan said.

Anyone can be bitten by a dog, and any dog can bite. Whether you are a dog owner, a concerned parent or a young person, being aware of how to avoid dog attacks is the best way to stop them from happening.

For more information on how to protect yourself and others from dog bites, contact ASPRS at 847-228-9900 or visit the web site at www.plasticsurgery.org or IIAA at 703-683-4422 or visit the web site at www.independentagent.com.

CONTACT: Maureen Jones of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, 847-228-9900, e-mail media@plasticsurgery.org; or Amy Gergely of the Independent Insurance Agents of America, 703-706-5407, e-mail agergely@iiaa.org.