Dog Bite Statistics and Their Cost

Some statistics about dog bites and their cost. (From Veterinary Practice News July 2012)

Dogs vs. People
State Farm Insurance, reported its top ten states for dog bite claims in 2011.

Rank                         State                 Number of Claims                               Claims Paid
(# of Claims)                                                                                                    (Estimated)

1                                California                   527                                                $20.3 million
2                                Illinois                        309                                                $10.0 million
3                                Texas                         219                                                $5.1 million
4                                Ohio                          215                                                $5.4 million
5                                Pennsylvania              197                                                $4.9 million
6                                Michigan                   181                                                 $7.0 million
7                                Florida                      157                                                 $5.1 million
8                                Indiana                      139                                                 $3.5 million
9                                New York                 133                                                 $6.1 million
10                              Minnesota                 117                                                  $3.5 million



Dog Bites Add Up
The Insurance Information Institute estimated the number and cost of dog bite claims since 2003.

Year                 Value of Claims             Number                        Average Cost Per Claim
                                  (in millions)                                                                                                          
2003                                $324.2                      16,919                                      $19,162
2004                                $319.0                      15,630                                      $20,406
2005                                $321.1                      14,295                                      $22,464
2006                                $322.3                      14,661                                      $21,987
2007                                $356.2                      14,531                                      $24,511
2008                                $387.2                      15,823                                      $24,461
2009                                $412.0                      16,586                                      $24,840
2010                                $412.6                      15,770                                      $26,166
2011                                $478.9                      16,292                                      $29,396