According to a study by the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite claims increased nationwide by 2.2 percent in 2017, with California having the highest number. According to a report in the Seattle Times, the value of the claims jumped significantly, reaching more than $686 million for the 18,522 claims made during the year. In 2017, the total value of claims nationwide increased to $13.7 million from 337 reports. The study says the average cost per claim reached more than $40,000.
California had the most dog bite claims in 2017, with 2,228 claims costing nearly $90.4 million. Alaska had the most minor claims among the states, while Washington, D.C. reported 28. The national average cost for one dog bite claim reportedly increased by nearly $4,000 between 2016 and 2017. More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually in the United States, about 20 percent of whom require medical attention. Children account for at least half of the reported bites while elderly people are the second most common group that is vulnerable to dog attacks.
Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks can potentially result in major if not catastrophic, injuries. Young children often suffer serious injuries to their faces, which may require cosmetic surgeries, particularly to repair scars. The attacking dog may knock older people to the ground, where they may suffer head trauma, back injuries, or even broken bones. Regardless of age, dog attacks cause significant psychological trauma.
Victims tend to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD or paranoia. Many young victims tend to carry a lifelong fear of dogs. Disfigurement and scarring could also result in severe emotional and psychological problems for victims, especially with regard to self-esteem issues.
Damages and Liability Issues
Suppose you have been injured in a dog attack. In that case, you may be looking at a number of damages, including medical expenses, hospitalization costs, expenses relating to surgery (including plastic surgery), rehabilitative treatment, and psychological counseling. If you have been injured you can seek compensation for all these damages, pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
Renters’ and homeowners’ insurance plans frequently cover dog bite claims. However, it may not be easy or simple to recover this compensation. You need an experienced California dog bite lawyer who will fight for your rights and help ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your losses.
Source: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/study-dog-bite-insurance-claim-costs-reached-13-7m-last-year/
