The average dog bite lawsuit payout in 2022 was $64,555 according to data from the Insurance Information Institute.
Average Dog Bite Claims Rising in PA
Average dog bite claims in the United States is rising. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average dog bite claim rose 12.3% from 2019 to 2020 from $44,760 to $50,245. The article noted that costs are rising due to medical bills and a rising trend of awarding more towards the plaintiff.
The average dog bite insurance claim in Pennsylvania is lower and is one of the lowest of the 50 states according to Quote Wizard. They analyzed data and found that the average dog bite claim in Pennsylvania in 2019 was $35,561. It is recommended that dog owners have rental or home insurance policies and to increase liability coverage so there is adequate coverage in place in the event of a dog bite.
Although Pennsylvania has a lower average dog bite claim cost, the Insurance Information Institute reported that Pennsylvania is 5th for the number of claims reported. In 2020, there were 787 dog bite claims reported in Pennsylvania.
When a dog injures a person, a dog bite claim is created to document their losses and to recover compensation. In most cases, the dog’s owner is responsible for paying that compensation through their homeowner’s insurance.
Pennsylvania dog bite law recognizes dog owner responsibility: “Dogs are personal property, and owners are responsible for damages caused by their dog”. Dog owners have an obligation to take reasonable precautions their dog will not bite or cause harm to someone.
Dog bite injuries do occur, and dog owners are often most surprised. Even the most complacent dog can react negatively given the right circumstances. When a dog bites someone, the injured party has a right to seek compensation with an injury claim. Typically, this is through the dog owner’s home insurance, but each case is unique.
Impacts to Insurance
Dog owner insurance can be impacted beyond the dog bite liability claim. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department points out that insurance companies can choose to not renew the policy. “If your dog bites someone, your homeowners’ insurance company can non-renew your policy, or require the dog to be removed from the home as a condition of renewal. In Pennsylvania, insurance companies may not cancel your homeowners’ or renters’ policy during the policy term for a dog bite claim but they do have the option to non-renew the policy at its anniversary date. You can appeal a non-renewal if you can show the dog was provoked into biting.”
It is important for dog owners to train their dogs, take all necessary precautions to prevent the dog from biting anyone, and get adequate liability insurance.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney
If you have a dog attack claim, contact Jeffrey H. Penneys for a free consultation on your claim. He will use his experience in Pennsylvania dog laws to provide legal advice and will work to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact him 24/7 at 215-771-0430 or online to discuss your dog bite case.