There’s a clear and tragic link between the pit bull breed and dog attacks across North America. Pit bulls, also known as the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully, or Staffordshire Bull Terrier, were responsible for 41 deaths in the United States in 2022. The stats also show that, between 1982 and 2021, pit bulls were responsible for 7772 attacks across the United States and Canada. In second place is Rottweilers, associated with 666 documented attacks.
The disparity between the breeds in first and second place highlights the devastating impact pit bull attacks continue to have on North American families.
If you or a family member are a recent victim of a pit bull attack, this post is a guide to the pit bull breed, its traits, and its behaviors. The intention is to help you exercise your legal rights to make informed decisions about your next step after an attack injury.
Pit Bull Traits
The traits of the pit bull that make them desirable to some dog owners are also characteristics that can lead to them inflicting devastating injuries during an attack.
Pit bulls are known for the following:
- Jaw Strength
A pit bull’s jaw can inflict pressure at 240-330 PSI, which means it can easily cause deep wounds and damage skin and bone.
- Musculature
The pit bull is an average-sized dog, but its body weight comprises more muscle than most other breeds. When they attack, pit bulls can be hard to stop, even for dog trainers and those with dog-handling experience.
- Territorial
Pit bulls are also very territorial as a breed and are more likely to become aggressive when a new person enters their immediate surroundings. Pit bull attacks often occur at family gatherings and events where people visit a property for the first time.
Pit Bull Attack Warning Signs
Like most dogs, pit bulls exhibit signs of aggression before they begin an attack. As an owner or someone who spends time around pit bulls, recognizing the warning signs of an impending attack can help protect you and your loved ones.
Pit bull attack warning signs may include:
Pulled back ears
When a pit bull is about to attack, the dog pulls its ears back against its head. This action protects the ears against the person or animal they’re about to encounter.
Holding their neck and head stiff
When a dog holds its head stiff and focuses its attention, it’s likely a warning sign of an impending attack. Keeping their head still ensures they focus their eyes and react quickly to movement.
Growling
The pit bull emits a low, grumbling growl when about to exhibit aggression.
Displaying teeth
Usually, the last sign before a pit bull begins to attack, the displaying of teeth indicates a threatening pose thought to intimidate other animals or prey. If you’re in the presence of a dog displaying its teeth, immediately move yourself and your loved ones away. If you’re the owner of a dog displaying its teeth, immediately pull a leash tight around its collar and secure control.
Recent Pit Bull Bite Cases
Examples of recent pit bull attacks show the potential injuries pit bull bite victims suffer and highlight the importance of a swift legal response when a loved one suffers a similar attack.
- In September 2022, Trinity Rowles was a trainee nurse visiting her Dad’s home when the family’s pitbull viciously attacked her and bit her face. She has since undergone four surgeries to repair damaged facial tissue and faces the prospect of up to six more facial surgeries as part of her recovery.
- In July of 2021, Rhoda Marie Wagner of Newport, Pennsylvania, was killed by three pit bulls while caring for the dogs in her home. Investigators suggest the pit bulls killed Rhoda as she tried to intervene when two of the dogs were fighting.
- A recent incident in March of 2023 involved a man walking his dog when a pitbull approached alongside another dog and attacked him. Joseph Monaghan of Levittown, PA was hospitalized with significant wounds to his hands and arms in the pit bull attack.
The Law is On Your Side After a Pit Bull Attack
You may be due a dog bite settlement after a pit bull attack. Section 459-502(b) of the Pennsylvania Statutes states: “Any cost to the victim for medical treatment resulting from an attacking or biting dog must be paid fully by the owner or keeper of the dog.”
You have many legal options if you or someone you love suffer injuries in a pit bull attack. The law in Pennsylvania, for example, allows you to sue the owner for the following economic damages after you suffer pit bull bite injuries:
- Medical expenses
The law requires that pit bull owners pay for the medical expenses of those attacked by their dogs.
- Loss of income
If your pit bull attack injuries result in lost income, you can sue the pit bull owner to include this lost income within your claim.
- Retraining costs
In cases where a pit bull causes a severe injury, you can sue the owner for any retraining costs associated with a job change due to your injuries.
- Future medical costs
Your claim for pit bull attack compensation may include future medical costs associated with attending doctor appointments and undergoing surgical care.
- Scar removal and cosmetic services
Pit bull attacks often result in severe injuries to the neck and face. These facial injuries often occur in cases involving attacks on children. Pennsylvania law allows pit bull attack victims to recover costs associated with scar removal and cosmetic medical care.
You may also sue the dog owner for non-economic damages after a severe injury in a pit bull attack. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Enjoyment in Life
- Psychological Trauma
Jeffrey Penneys: A History of Success in Pit Bull Attack Cases
As a leading Philadelphia dog bite attorney, Jeffrey Penneys has a clear record of success in helping clients recover compensation after pit bull attacks. His pit bull dog bite case recoveries include:
A $250,000 settlement for a Philadelphia, PA insurance adjustor, who suffered serious injuries to his torso and legs after an attack by a pit bull.
A $300,000 settlement for a Philadelphia, PA woman who had her fingertip bitten off by a pit bull. Jeffrey Penneys settled her case in 9 days.
Turn to an experienced, courtroom-proven pit bull attack lawyer for your case. Jeffrey Penneys offers 24/7 responses to urgent case inquiries. Call 215-771-0430 to book a free pit bull case review and take the next step towards your dog bite attack recovery.