Dog/Animal Attacks
According to the American Pet Products Association’s 2021-2022 Pet Owners Survey, 69 million households in the United States own one dog or more. The American Veterinary Medical Association states there are nearly 85 million dogs living in U.S. households. About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, most of them children.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, Homeowners insurers paid out $882 million in liability claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries in 2021.
The number of dog bite claims nationwide increased in 2021 to 17,989 from 17,597 in 2020, a 2.2 percent increase, according to an analysis of homeowners insurance claims data by the Triple-I.
Each year around 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs, resulting in the hospitalization of around 10,000 people. In most cases, the owner of the animal is legally responsible for the actions of the animal and claims can be made against the owner and possibly a third party if their negligence caused the injury.
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Why Dog Bites Are Dangerous
In 2018, nearly 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Not only can dog attacks cause permanent damage but they can also cause death through infection of the bite wound area. If you or a loved one have been attacked and/or injured by a dog, please seek medical attention immediately, regardless of the severity of the injury. Then contact the professional and experienced legal team at Walton Law Firm to get the settlement you deserve.