According to the Insurance Information Institute, U.S. insurance companies paid $1.2 billion in dog bite-related claims in 2023. Their data also shows U.S. dog bite claims rose 8% to 19,062 in 2023, an increase of 110% over the last decade. In Pennsylvania, meanwhile, there were 857 dog bite claims in 2023, with an average cost per claim of $53,914.
This post will explore the potential reasons behind the increases in dog bite claims and explain the steps you and your family can take after a dog bite to help ensure a fair settlement for your medical costs, income losses, and pain and suffering after a dog attack.
Potential Reasons for Rising Dog Bite Claims
With dog bite claims rising by over 110% in a decade, it’s critical to explore the potential reasons behind this rise in cases. The research shows that:
A Rise in Dog Ownership with Limited Training
The dog ownership data from Forbes shows a significant increase in dog ownership during the pandemic. 78% of dog owners reported they acquired a new pet while COVID restrictions were in place. However, this increase in ownership did not lead to an equivalent use of pet training services. Data from the American Pet Product Association National Pet Owners Survey found that only 8% of dog owners take their dog to a trainer.
Children and Dogs in Close Proximity
Another potential cause for the significant rise in dog bite claims during the years since the pandemic began is the proximity of children and dogs in the family home. We know that children represent a majority of dog bite victims. Bringing untrained dogs into a disrupted family dynamic where children are at home for prolonged periods is likely a factor in higher dog bite claims in recent years.
Rise in Pitbull Popularity
The data shows that pit bulls are associated with a large number of dog bites and over 60% of serious dog attack injuries. Now, new industry research has found that pit bulls are one of the most popular breeds for new pet owners. The stats show the number of registered pit bull owners across the U.S. has doubled since 2014.
Tips for Ensuring the Highest Possible Dog Bite Settlement
As a dog bite victim or the loved one of a dog bite victim, it’s in your best interest to explore legal options after a dog attack. When navigating your legal options, consider the following tips for securing the highest possible dog bite settlement value.
Collect compelling video and photo evidence
Video evidence from doorbell cameras, home security systems, and smartphones is now crucial in settling dog bite claims. If the dog attack occurred within a home, check for available footage. After a dog attack, remember to take regular photos and videos of the injuries to show the insurance company the injury’s progression.
Do not agree on terms with the insurance company
The insurance adjuster will likely call you in the days after a dog attack to discuss your claim. Remember: they work for the insurance company, and their role is to reduce your total dog bite compensation. In most cases, you should not speak directly with the insurance company without booking a free dog bite case evaluation with a lawyer.
Call a dog bite lawyer for dog bite claims representation
Experienced dog bite lawyers are crucial to achieving the highest possible settlement amount from a dog bite claim. Your dog bite lawyer should have a proven track record winning dog bite cases and should be able to respond to you 24/7 to answer your questions. As a result, they can help complete the many time-sensitive steps involved in filing and winning dog bite cases.
Call Jeffrey Penneys with Your Dog Bite Settlement Questions
Jeffrey Harlan Penneys has over 30 years of experience in insurance negotiations and representing dog bite victims in the Pennsylvania courts. If you or someone you love suffers an injury in a dog attack and you’re considering legal options, you can call Jeffrey Penneys for a free, no-obligation dog bite case review. Jeffrey and his team will explain your options, answer your legal questions, and help you build a strong foundation for your forthcoming case against the dog owner.
Take your next step towards a dog bite settlement and book your free case review with Jeffrey Penneys by calling 215-259-3703 or confirming via our online form.