The High Cost of Dog Bite Injuries in New York

 Dog bite injuries account for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in the year 2014, according to a recent study conducted by the Insurance Information Institute. The study showed that payouts for injuries relating to dog attacks cost insurance companies more than $530 million. An analysis of homeowners’ insurance data by the Institute found that while the number of dog bite claims went down in 2014 by 4.7 percent, the average cost per claim for the year rose by 15 percent.

Also, the average cost paid out for dog bite claims nationwide was $32,072 in 2014 compared with $27,862 in 2013. The average cost per claim nationally has risen more than 67 percent from 2003 to 2014. Researchers are attributing this significant increase to higher medical costs and the increased size of jury verdicts and settlements awarded to plaintiffs in dog bite cases.
New York High on the List
While California had the largest number of claims in the U.S. during 2014 at 1,867 and Ohio came second at 1,009, New York had the third largest number of dog bite claims at 965. At the same time New York also registered the highest average cost per claim in the country at $56,628. This trend in higher cost claims is not just attributed to dogs biting people, but fractures and other blunt force trauma injuries that occur when dogs knock down children, cyclists and the elderly.
Why Dog Bite Injuries Can Be Costly
Dog attacks have the potential to result in major if not catastrophic or fatal injuries. The severity of the injuries in such cases may depend on the size of the dog, the number of dogs attacking, the age and size of the victim, etc. Some of the common injuries suffered in dog attacks include, but are not limited to, lacerations, puncture wounds, broken bones, flesh being torn off, nerve damage, etc. Some victims may require amputations.
Many others require costly cosmetic surgery to fix scars caused by bite marks. Some of these scars may never go away in spite of multiple cosmetic surgeries. The emotional trauma suffered by victims of dog attacks can also be significant. Many victims, regardless of age, may need psychological counseling to address issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD, depression, panic attacks and other psychological conditions stemming from a traumatic attack.
Advice for Dog Owners
If you’re a dog owner, you may be held financially responsible for the injuries and damages caused by your pet. It is a common misconception that only large or ferocious-looking dogs or only certain breeds attack. This is absolutely not true. The fact is, any dog can attack. The most dangerous dogs are those that are not properly trained and kept in conditions that breed vicious behavior. Negligent dog ownership is one of the main reasons why dog attacks occur. Here are a few steps dog owners can take to minimize the chances of their dogs biting:
• Learn about breeds of dogs that are suitable for your household and neighborhood.
• Spend time with a dog before you buy or adopt it. If the dog has had a history of aggression, it is certainly not suitable for a household where children live or visit.
• Socialize your dog so it knows how to interact with other animals and people.
• Be aware and cautious when you introduce your dog to new situations.
• If your dog develops aggressive behaviors, seek professional advice from veterinarians or animal behavior experts right away.
• Do not tie or restrain your dog for long periods.
Compensation for Victims
Dog bite victims can seek compensation from the at-fault dog owner for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost wages and benefits, hospitalization, cost of cosmetic surgery, permanent injuries, past and future pain and suffering, etc. The services of a skilled dog bite attorney will be invaluable, since proving that a dog owner’s negligence caused the attack can often be challenging.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident, or if you have lost a loved one in a dog attack, please remember that you have rights. The experienced New York personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. For over 49 years, we have helped dog bite victims and their families get fair and full compensation for their losses. Our law firm recovered $750,000 for a girl who was bitten by a dog, which was the most money recovered in New York State that year for a dog bite.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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