Dog Bite Claims are On The Rise

Dog attack law suits are on the rise. Insurance companies paid out about $479 million for dog bite and dog attack claims in 2011, according to a recent study by the Insurance Information Institute. These claims are typically paid under homeowner’s liability policies. In addition, the average amount paid per claim has risen 54% since 2003 to an average of $29,400 per claim in 2011. Dog bite claims now account for more than one-third of all total liability claims paid out by homeowner’s insurance.

The study attributed the substantial increase in the amounts paid for dog bite claims to increased medical costs for dog bite victims as well as larger settlements, judgments, and jury awards to victims. In fact, compensation for dog bite victims has risen well above the rate of inflation. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year and about 800,000 dog bite victims require medical attention. Of those victims, 386,000 require emergency room treatment and 16 die.

The attorneys at Bloch & Chapleau have experience representing dog bite victims in claims against dog owners and their insurance companies. We are familiar with the Colorado Civil Dog Bite Statute and can determine whether the dog owner violated the Statute or was negligent.