California Has More Dog Bite Claims Than Any Other State
As friendly as a dog may seem, it could still bite without provocation. Dogs are pack animals who don’t always know how to interpret physical and auditory signals, which can lead to a dog “lashing out” and biting.
Shockingly, more than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year in the U.S. Of those bitten, more than 37,000 individuals will require medical treatment, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In California, approximately 40% of households own a dog. So, it should come as no surprise that California has more dog bite claims than any other state in the nation.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), dog bite-related claims have steadily increased within the past few years. In fact, homeowners paid out nearly almost $900 million in dog bite-related claims in 2021. In the same year, dog bite claims accounted for one-third of all homeowner liability claims paid out. The average claim that year was roughly $49,000, reports the III.
In 2021, there were more than 2,025 dog bite-related claims statewide, totaling more than $120 million. The average value of dog bite claims in the state was $59,500 – higher than the national average. It’s important to keep in mind: dog bite claims aren’t just related to bites, they also include claims involving dogs who knocked down a child, bicyclist, or elderly person.
When dogs bite, serious injuries can happen. Some of the more common injuries caused by a dog bite or by a dog knocking down an individual include head injuries, neck injuries, back injuries, broken bones, lacerations, bruises, infection, soft tissue damage, facial injuries, and skin injuries.
How Can You Prevent a Dog Bite?
Here are a few tips to prevent a dog from biting you or someone you love:
Let a dog come into your space before you enter theirs – When you approach an unfamiliar dog, the dog may feel threatened by you. Help the dog release any anxiety about meeting you by allowing the dog to approach you.
Be aware of a dog’s body language – It’s not uncommon for a human to miss seeing the signs that a dog is uncomfortable. For example: a dog may yawn because he or she is tired, but also because it is feeling uncomfortable.
Raise a dog humanely – Dogs who are trained and raised humanely are less likely to feel threatened or be aggressive. Dogs who are trained using intimidation or pain methods are more likely to bite.
Don’t Wait to Speak with a Los Angeles Dog Bite Attorney
If you or a loved one suffered a severe dog bite-related injury, don’t wait one more day to speak with a Los Angeles dog bite injury lawyer at Adamson Ahdoot LLP. During a free private consultation, we’ll review your case thoroughly and explain your legal options.
We have the resources and the legal experience needed to maximize your compensation. Our team is available at any time of the day or night to take your call.
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