According to the American Kennel Club, having dogs as pets comes with science-backed benefits. But despite being man’s best friend and the wonders it does for your health, owning a dog comes with risks. Even the most lovable and domesticated dog can cause a severe bite.
In the US, dog bites are common, constituting an average of 337,103 emergency visits yearly. If not treated promptly, dog bites can lead to injuries and infections with dangerous complications.
The breed of dog doesn’t determine whether it will bite or inflict a serious bite injury. The likelihood of bite incidents depends primarily on the dog’s history and behavior. However, some dog breeds are more commonly associated with fatal attacks on humans than others.
One of the dangerous dogs associated with severe dog bite attacks is the Doberman Pinscher. These large working dogs deliver a high bite force that could inflict significant harm in a short time.
Anyone can become a dog bite victim, including friends, visitors, and family members. But because of the lack of understanding of body language, children are particularly susceptible to dog attacks and bites.
These are one of the common cases personal injury lawyers handle. Suppose you or a loved one suffer from a Doberman bite or attack. In that case, you can get monetary compensation for your dog bite-related injuries and losses.
Generally, the animal owner has a legal obligation to prevent their dogs from harming people or damaging property. But every state has different laws concerning dog bites and animal attacks. Consider working with a personal injury attorney to hold the dog owner financially responsible for your injuries.
The Personal Injury Center understands the complexity of winning a dog bite case and finding a reliable attorney. We offer free consultations for injured victims so we can connect you with a lawyer specializing in your case.
Key Takeaways
|
Is a Doberman Pinscher inherently dangerous?
States have different laws that specify how to determine liability when animals cause harm to someone. In the US, approximately 36 states have adopted strict liability laws for dog bite injuries.
They all make the owner responsible for the injury done by their dog, whether or not they knew the animal’s tendency to inflict harm. Provided the victim was not trespassing and offered no provocation, the owner is liable for injuries caused by their dogs.
Meanwhile, other states follow the one-bit rule. In this case, the owner’s legal responsibility depends on whether they knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. Suppose they know their dog is prone to biting and don’t take reasonable precautions. In that case, they are responsible for the results of the animal’s vicious tendencies.
A previous biting incident is one piece of evidence to demonstrate the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s dangerous behavior. It’s worth noting that bite incidents don’t necessarily result in lawsuits. However,
Knowing what type of liability applies to your case can be confusing. But being aware of the dog’s vicious tendencies is a good start. Find out below whether the Doberman Pinscher is inherently dangerous or not.
Physical traits
The Doberman breed has superior physical traits. They are muscular, energetic, and dominant, standing between 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder. Because of their intimidating physical appearance, Dobermans can strike fear in many people who are not familiar with them.
But this dog breed is less dangerous than they appear. These powerful dogs are affectionate and gentle to their owners. However, Dobermans can cause harm to those who provoke them and pose a risk even to those closest to them.
One reason is Dobermans were initially bred as guard dogs. They have strong protective and territorial instincts, so theyb will take down threats and defend their owners at all costs. Their physical features help them perform their role as a loyal protector.
Temperament
Dobermans are highly athletic and alert. This is one of the characteristics that make them excellent guard dogs. But since they have great energy, this dog breed needs regular mental and physical stimulation.
They can become aggressive dogs and develop other destructive behaviors if they’re bored, untrained, or unsupervised for long periods. The Doberman Pinscher has an innate ability to anticipate danger and threats, which can lead to aggressive acts toward other dogs and strangers.
When they become overly protective, they may show excessive suspicion around guests at home. That’s why proper socialization and obedience from a young age are crucial for this dog breed.
Aggression is not a natural behavior of Dobermans. If you encounter an overly aggressive Doberman Pinscher, it’s likely because their owners raised them to be that way. Note that these dog breeds also tend to become aggressive when provoked by a stranger.
Description of bites and attacks
The Doberman Pinscher is among the most common instigators of dog bites and attacks. Although they may not attack as frequently as other dog breeds, they can cause tremendous harm with a single bite.
When a Doberman bites someone, its jaws close, with the upper teeth sliding closely to the lower teeth. This is commonly referred to as the Doberman’s scissor bite. The force of the dog’s jaws can create more than teeth marks on your skin.
That’s because it’s typical for Dobermans to bite down, release and bite their target again in rapid succession. These multiple quick bites, combined with a strong bite force, can result in nerve damage, broken bones, facial injuries, permanent scarring, and more.
Any dog attack and bite can lead to various injuries. Whether you’re the dog owner or not, it’s essential to understand the fundamental triggers of a Doberman’s attack. This way, you’ll know what to do around them.
Besides a lack of proper socialization and training, the following are a few reasons why a Doberman Pinscher may attack or show aggression.
- Someone yells or hits them
- They’re regularly in stressful or fearful situations
- They suffer health issues, such as pain or discomfort
- A stranger approaches their home or yard
- You go near them while they’re eating
- They experience previous abuse or mistreatment
What is bite force?
Dogs sometimes bite with different forces every time. Typically, they only bite with the most pressure when provoked. But animals with stronger bites are more dangerous as they can cause more damage. Numerous factors can affect the strength of a bite, including health, body size, and physical conditioning.
The bite force is the pressure an animal exerts on their food or prey. Knowledge of bite forces in dogs plays a critical role in different clinical and research fields. But it’s also crucial to understand how dangerous they can be if dog owners don’t raise them well.
The measurement of dog bite force is in PSI or pounds per square inch. Let’s say a dog has a bite force of 150 PSI. That means they’d exert 150 pounds of pressure per square inch of the bite area. Read on to learn about the bite force of a Doberman below.
The Doberman’s bite force
The Doberman Pinscher is known for its powerful bite, delivering an estimated bite force range from 245 to 305 PSI. The bite strength and scissor-like jaw action make the bite of this dog breed one of the most dangerous in the world. But not every Doberman will have precisely the same bite force.
The pounds of pressure can vary based on the dog’s history, current mood, and what they bite. Older Dobermans may have a weaker bite, while those who regularly exercise may cause a more substantial bite. The upbringing of a Doberman affects the dog’s tendency to apply maximum effort when biting.
Compared to other dog breeds
Since many variables affect the strength of a dog’s bite, it’s difficult to say which dog has the strongest bite. Below is a list of popular dog breeds with the most powerful bite. Knowing their estimated PSI may help determine how the Doberman’s bite force measures up.
- Belgian Malinois: 195 PSI
- Chowchow: 220 PSI
- Dutch shepherd: 224 PSI
- American Pit Bull Terrier: 235 PSI
- Great Dane: 238 PSI
- German Shepherd: 238 PSI
- Rottweiler: 328 PSI
- Leonberger: 399 PSI
- Wolfdog: 406 PSI
- Dogo Argentino: 500 PSI
- English Mastiff: 552 PSI
- Tosa Inu: 556 PSI
- Dogue de Bordeaux: 556 PSI
- Kangal: 743 PSI
Practicing caution and avoiding getting too close to these breeds can help you prevent serious dog bite injuries. However, it’s important to remember that dogs of any size and breed have the potential to bite.
What To Do After a Doberman Pinscher Attack
Some Dobermans are untrained and can harm a stranger significantly if the dog decides to bite. Note that even if a dog didn’t show hostile behavior before, it doesn’t mean it will not attack in the future.
The owner may be responsible for your losses when you suffer injuries from an aggressive and dangerous Doberman encounter. But there are essential steps that you need to take to protect your rights. Here’s what injured victims should do after being attacked by a Doberman Pinscher.
Seek medical attention immediately
Seeking medical attention is the first thing you should do after a dog bite or attack, even a minor one. Failure to treat bites immediately can lead to possible infections or other consequences.
Most cases of dog bites involve the assessment of potential rabies risk. Dogs can carry and spread diseases like rabies, which can be deadly when not treated in time. That’s why proper and prompt medical care is critical to prevent infection.
Following through with the recommended treatments of the physician is also important. Besides immediate wound management, severe dog bites may require weeks or months of treatment and rehabilitation.
This step is essential for your health, safety, and personal injury claim. An
Report the dog attack
Most victims of dog bites have an association with the dog’s owner. They’re usually family members, friends, or neighbors of the injured victim. It’s one of the reasons why considering pursuing compensation is complex.
If you don’t know the owner’s identity, report the attack to the proper authorities. Many cities have a local animal control or health department that handles this type of incident. They will investigate to ensure the dog has a current rabies vaccination. This report will eventually help you determine the responsible right party.
You must still report the incident even if you know the dog’s owner. This is particularly crucial when the dog owner is uncommunicative after the attack.
Document your dog bite injuries
Documenting your injuries is also crucial to recover the maximum compensation. You need evidence to support your claim against the dog owner and their
Proper documentation will help establish the true extent of dog bite injuries at the time of the attack. It’s also vital to save all medical bills for treating your injury. If there were any witnesses, get their names and contact information. They can help you describe the attack in detail and document that you didn’t do anything to provoke the dog.
Consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer
Many injured victims think they don’t need a lawyer after a dog bite injury. But understand that handling a dog bite case without legal counsel can make it challenging to pursue damages.
An experienced dog bite lawyer knows what damages you may be eligible to recover. They will also research and gather the necessary evidence to establish your case. With a lawyer, you can better understand and protect your legal rights.
Did you know?
Globally, there are approximately 700 million dogs, and tens of millions of individuals are injured by dogs every year.
Get Fair Compensation With the Help of The Personal Injury Center
The consequences of dog bite injuries are not only physical and emotional. They can also affect injured victims financially, from missed work to hefty medical bills. But seeking legal recourse may help you recoup the medical expenses and other losses you will likely face after a dog attack.
Let an experienced personal injury lawyer handle your case and fight for what you legally deserve. However, note that not all lawyers handle dog bite cases.
The Personal Injury Center has resources to help you find the best lawyer specializing in your case. We can help you find the proper legal help to get fair compensation. Obtain a free evaluation so we can connect you with the right attorney.
Fight for your legal rights with the help of The Personal Injury Center. Connect with a skilled lawyer for your dog bite injuries.
FAQs on a Doberman’s Bite Force
How much damage could a Doberman Pinscher dog bite cost?
The cost of a Doberman Pinscher dog bite depends on the extent of the injuries and the specific circumstances of the incident. Typically, the amount that homeowners insurance policies cover for dog bite expenses ranges between $100,000 to $300,000. The dog owner is responsible for the remaining amount if your claim exceeds the policy limit.
What damages are available from a Doberman Pinscher dog bite injury?
The damages that injured victims can recover from a Doberman Pinscher dog bite can include the following:
- Medical bills
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional trauma
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
How long will settling a dog bite claim take?
Several factors can impact how long a dog bite case takes to settle. But most claims can take less than six months to resolve. Note that it will take much longer without the assistance of an experienced lawyer.
