Dog Bite Statistics

Rick Patterson

Attorney

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year more than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs. Given that over 50 percent of all dog bites occur on the dog owner's property, the issue is a major source of concern for insurers.

In 2005 dog bites cost insurers $317.2 million. In 2003 the cost was $321.6 million. The cost of an average dog bite went from $16,600 in 2002 to $21,200 in 2005. Dog bite claims account for approximately 15 percent of liability claims paid under homeowners' insurance policies.

Laws have gotten more strict with respect to the responsibility of homeowners and injuries caused by their dogs. In approximately one-third of the states owners are "strictly liable" for the behavior of their dogs. Attached are recent developments.