Utah Dog Bite Statistics: What You Need to Know About Dog-Related Injuries

Nearly half of all households in the United States share their home with a dog, and for most people, that relationship is built on trust. But that same trust can be broken in a matter of seconds when a dog bites, leading to serious physical injuries. Reach out to a dog bite attorney in Salt Lake City for a free consultation with We Win Injury Law.

Here is what you need to know about how often dog bites occur, who’s most at risk, and what steps to take if it happens to you.

How Many Dog Bites Happen Every Year?

According to data compiled by the American Veterinary Medical Association, an estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States every year. With roughly 88 million dogs living in American households, and 43% of homes owning at least one, that volume of bites reflects just how often dogs and people cross paths in daily life.

People who are bitten by dogs have the right to seek compensation for the harm they have suffered. In 2025, insurers paid out an estimated $1.86 billion in liability claims tied to dog bites and other dog-related injuries in 2025, a figure that climbed nearly 9 percent from the year before. The average dog bite insurance claim that year came in at roughly $69,272, marking a 97% increase over the past decade. Taken together, these numbers suggest a trend of dog bite injuries becoming both more frequent and more costly over time.

Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites in Utah

A dog bite can range from a shallow scrape to an injury that requires ongoing medical treatment. The severity of this harm often depends on the size of the dog, the force of the bite, and where on the body the bite occurred. Common dog bite injuries include:

• Puncture Wounds: A dog’s teeth can pierce deep into tissue, creating wounds that look small on the surface but carry a higher risk of infection underneath.
• Lacerations: Bites that tear rather than puncture the skin can damage muscle, nerves, or blood vessels and often require stitches to close properly.
• Infections: Bacteria in a dog’s mouth can enter the wound and lead to infections such as cellulitis, which can become life-threatening if not treated early.
• Crush Injuries: Larger dogs can generate enough bite force to fracture bones or damage soft tissue beneath the skin, sometimes requiring surgical repair.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Bites to visible areas like the face or hands can leave lasting scars, occasionally requiring reconstructive procedures to restore appearance or function.
• Nerve and Muscle Damage: Deeper bites can sever nerves or tear muscle fibers, leading to numbness, weakness, or a reduced range of motion in the affected area.
• Emotional and Psychological Effects: Beyond the physical wound, a serious bite can lead to lasting anxiety or a fear of dogs, especially in young children who experience an attack.

Who Is at the Highest Risk of Dog Bites?

Children face a disproportionately high risk of dog bites compared to adults. A study led by researchers at Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), which reviewed close to 1,000 pediatric dog bite cases treated between 2013 and 2018, found that children between the ages of 1 and 5 were at the greatest risk of being bitten. The study also found that a child’s head and neck were the most commonly injured areas, accounting for well over half of all bite injuries reviewed, likely due to how close a young child’s face is to an approaching dog.

Most of the children in the study were bitten by a dog living in their own home. The research also identified a notable income-based disparity: children in lower-income areas faced a substantially higher relative risk of being bitten, while children in higher-income areas faced a lower relative risk by comparison.

Are Certain Types of Dogs More Likely to Bite?

The same CHOC-led study also looked at which breeds were associated with the most severe bite injuries. Among cases where the dog’s breed was known, pit bulls were linked to significantly more severe injuries than other breeds, including a higher likelihood of requiring surgical repair compared to bites from German shepherds or dogs of unknown breed. At the same time, German shepherds accounted for the highest overall number of bite injuries in the study.

While these breeds appear frequently in bite data, breed alone does not determine whether a specific dog will bite. Any dog can pose a risk depending on its history, health, and environment.

How Many Dog Attacks Are Fatal?

Fatal dog attacks are rare, but they do happen. Between 2011 and 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded 468 deaths caused by dog bites or strikes nationwide, averaging about 43 deaths per year over that span.

When a fatal attack does occur, the circumstances are often difficult to comprehend. In October 2023, a 63-year-old Taylorsville woman was attacked in her own backyard by a pack of dogs belonging to her son, including two adult pit bulls and their five puppies. She survived the initial attack but later died from her injuries. Cases like this are a reminder that even dogs with no prior record of aggression can cause catastrophic harm.

How to Take Action After a Dog Bite in Utah

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, your first priority should be medical care, even if the wound looks minor at first. A doctor can evaluate the wound for infection, nerve damage, or other complications that aren’t always obvious right away.

You have the right to file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner and recover compensation for the harm that you have suffered: Take the following steps to strengthen your position if you decide to file:

• Contact animal control or local law enforcement to file an official bite report.
• Take photos of the wound, your injuries as they heal, and the location where the bite occurred.
• Get contact information from the dog’s owner and any witnesses.
• Keep records of every expense tied to the bite.
• Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance company before speaking with an attorney.

Schedule a Free Case Review with a Utah Dog Bite Attorney

Dog bite injuries are common, often serious, and sometimes life-altering, particularly for children. If you or a loved one has been bitten, a personal injury attorney in Salt Lake City can protect your rights and fight for your full financial recovery. Contact an attorney today to schedule a free case review and find out what your next steps should be.