Dog Bite Injury Cases are on the Rise

Law suits involving dog bites are increasing at a rapid pace. In 2011 Insurance companies paid out approximately $479 million for injuries caused by dog bites and dog attacks.  This data is according to a recent study by the Insurance Information Institute (“IIS”). Dog injury claims are typically paid under homeowner’s liability policies. The average amount paid per dog injury claims has risen 54% since 2003 to an average of $29,400 per claim in 2011. Over one-third of total liability claims paid by homeowners insurance are not due to injuries caused by dog attacks.

The IIS study attributed the  increase in the  dog bite claim amounts to increased medical costs for dog bite victims as well as larger settlements, judgments, and jury awards to victims. Compensation for dog bite victims has risen at a higher rate than inflation. The Centers for Disease Control, found that 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year and about 800,000 dog bite victims require medical attention.  386,000 of these victims require emergency room treatment and 16 dog attack victims died.

Vail Justice attorneys represent dog bite victims in claims against dog owners and their insurers.