The Rising Cost of Dog-Related Injury Claims: A Closer Look at the Numbers

The Impact of Pandemic-Induced Behavioral Changes on Dogs

As pet owners return to their workplaces or schools, dogs that were adopted during the pandemic or have become accustomed to their owners being at home may experience separation anxiety, leading to aggressive and destructive behavior. This could result in an increase in dog-related injury claims. According to State Farm, March 2020 saw the highest number of dog-related injury claims when people first went into lockdown, with a 21.6 percent increase from the previous March. Experts feared that the easing of restrictions would lead to another spike in bites, and indeed, the overall number of claims slightly increased to 17,989 in 2021 from 17,567 in 2020, costing $881 million.

The Financial Burden of Dog Bite Claims

The cost of dog bite-related claims has been climbing for years. The average cost per claim nationally has risen 39 percent from 2012 to 2021, due to increased medical costs and the upward trend in the size of settlements, judgments, and jury awards. Claims are not only related to dog bites but also to dogs knocking down children, cyclists, and the elderly, resulting in costly injuries. The latest Triple-I dog bite claim figures are released in conjunction with National Dog Bite Prevention Week, an event held each year to help reduce the number of dog bites.

Preventive Measures and Insurance Coverage

Children are particularly at risk for dog bites and are more likely to be severely injured, so it’s essential for parents to teach their kids to be safe around strange dogs and their own pets. Dog training is key to preventing dog bites and related injuries for everyone, and National Dog Bite Prevention Week’s organizers offer many practical tips. This year, dog experts are again focused on re-socializing animals that have been isolated along with their humans. Triple-I recommends that you check your homeowners or renters insurance policy to be sure it covers liability for dog bites and related injuries.