Given the state’s population, it is no surprise that California has the most dog bite claims each year. In 2015, over 1,000 dog bite claims were made on insurance policies in California alone. However, with regard to fatal dog attacks, Texas has the highest number of deaths caused by dog attacks each year. In 2015, Texas reported five lethal dog attacks. The next highest number reported by a state was three. From 2005 through 2015, over forty people have been killed in Texas as the result of dog attacks. Why does Texas lead the nation in lethal dog bites? There are several potential explanations.
- Texas has a history of dogfighting. There is a disproportionate amount of dogfighting that occurs in Texas compared to other areas of the country.
- Texas dog owners are inclined to keep “dangerous breeds.”
- A disproportionate number of Texans own multiple dogs.
- Texas politics and legislation disfavors the enactment of specific breed legislation.
In 2007, Texas enacted Lillian’s Law. The statute holds that a dog owner whose unsecured dog seriously injures someone off of the owner’s property can face felony charges and jail time. Despite the enactment of this legislation, Texas remains the leading state in lethal dog attacks.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a dog attack, contact O’Hara Law Firm. Patrick O’Hara is a dog bite lawyer experienced in handling catastrophic injuries.