Dog attacks have profound and life-altering consequences. One of the clear throughlines linking dog attacks and devastating injuries is the specific bite force of the breed. This latest post explores the relationship between bite force and dog attack injury severity and explains the several factors interlinking the data on dog attacks.
Understanding Dog Bite Force
Dog bite force is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and quantifies the pressure dogs apply when biting down on an object. A study published in the Journal of Anatomy found a breed’s bite force strongly correlates with the size of its head.
While a human bite typically generates around 120-140 PSI, certain dog breeds can exert significantly more force:
- Kangal: 743 PSI
- Mastiff: 552 PSI
- Rottweiler: 328 PSI
- German Shepherd: 238 PSI
- American Pitbull: 235 PSI
It’s important to note while American pit bulls have a relatively weaker bite force compared with larger dogs such as Kangals and Mastiffs, the pit bull is the breed most commonly involved in dog attacks with serious injuries.
A comprehensive study completed between 2005 and 2017 found pit bulls associated with 284 fatal attacks, with the breed accounting for 65.6% of all fatal dog attacks reported during the study. The breed in second place for most fatal attacks was the Rottweiler, with a comparatively small 10.4%.
The data shows why even animal advocacy groups such as PETA have taken a strong stance in support of breed-specific laws banning pit bulls and calling for increased pit bull sterilization efforts.
Prey Drive an Under-Stated Factor
Prey drive is the hidden factor explaining why pit bulls, despite the breed having a relatively low bite force, are associated with the majority of fatal dog attacks. While many other dog breeds have a high prey drive, including huskies and greyhounds, pit bulls have a rare combination of a high prey drive and a high bite force: a combination with horrific consequences for American families.
The dog’s high prey drive means they’re more likely to chase children and small animals. Another unusual element of pit bulls is their propensity to attack without warning. Other breeds may growl or whine, indicating their frustration with humans. Pit bulls can attack suddenly. That’s when their strong bite force becomes a factor in causing life-changing injuries.
Biomechanics of Dog Bite Injuries
When a dog’s powerful jaws clamp down, the damage extends beyond puncture wounds. The biomechanical forces involved can cause:
Soft Tissue Destruction: Crushing and tearing of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels
Bone Fractures: High-force bites can break bones, particularly in children and elderly victims
Nerve Damage: Permanent sensation loss and potential paralysis
Tissue Compression: Severe internal damage without visible external wounds
Infection Risk: Dog mouths harbor numerous bacterial strains that can cause serious infections
Treatment for Serious Dog Bite Injuries
After an attack by a large dog with a high bite force, proactive medical intervention can help limit the potential for further injuries. One of the most common mistakes dog bite victims and their loved ones make is to believe that, because there are no visible signs of injury, they don’t require medical treatment.
Large breeds such as German shepherds, pit bulls, and kangals can damage small bones in the arms, hands, and legs without causing any wounds or immediate pain. While injuries such as nerve damage require early intervention to prevent loss of mobility in the bite location.
Serious dog bite injuries often require:
Short-term
- Immediate emergency intervention
Medium-term
- Reconstructive surgeries
Long-term:
- Physical therapy
- Psychological counseling
- Potential disability accommodations
Preventing Serious Dog Bite Injuries
While legal recourse is available, prevention remains critical:
- Teach children appropriate dog interaction techniques
- Recognize canine stress signals
- Avoid approaching unfamiliar dogs
- Report aggressive dog behavior to local authorities
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Injuries
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Pennsylvania?
You have two years from the date of the dog bite to file your claim. But you should call a dog bite lawyer in the early days after the incident to preserve evidence and protect your right to compensation.
What injury compensation is available?
Potential compensation includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, psychological trauma, and future medical needs. Store all medical treatment receipts in a safe place and provide the documents to your dog bite lawyer, ready for negotiations with the insurance company.
What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
Pennsylvania’s liability laws mean bite history is irrelevant when filing for compensation. Owners are wholly responsible for the injuries their dogs cause, even if the dog was docile and sweet until the incident.
The dog owner claims I provoked their dog – can I sue if I was partially at fault?
Accusations of provocation are sometimes the first defense dog owners use and rarely have merit. However, even if you share some fault for the incident, you can still claim dog bite compensation, as long as you were less than 51% responsible, under Pennsylvania’s modified comparative negligence laws.
Take the Next Step in Your Serious Dog Bite Case
Understanding bite force, knowing your rights, and taking immediate action can significantly impact your recovery and legal outcome.
Finding a qualified local Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer increases your chances of a successful claim. Jeffrey Penneys has 30 years of experience winning dog bite cases for clients throughout Pennsylvania. His case track record includes winning millions of dollars for local families and fighting against insurance companies who refuse fair compensation for dog bite victims.
Call Jeffrey Penneys today at (215) 259-3703 for your free consultation and discuss the next phase of your dog bite case.