Dogs are some of the friendliest animals, but even they can cause injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have estimated that 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the U.S., with one in every five bites leading to infection.
With so many dog bite cases nationwide, it begs the question: How much are these injuries costing Americans each year?
What Insurers Have To Say
Insurance statistics may shed light on the actual cost of dog bite injuries. According to a new report from the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and State Farm, 17,597 dog-related injury claims were made in 2022. The study found that this represents a 2.2% year-over-year decline from 2021’s 17,989 dog bite claims.
But despite the decrease in the number of claims, the study also uncovered that the total cost of dog bite claims sharply spiked from $882 million in 2021 to $1.13 billion in 2022.
What Makes Dog Bites So Expensive To Treat?
Dog bites can range from “playful munch” to “skin-tearing chomp,” with the severity of the injuries dependent on how much force the dog used. But the complications that come with dog bites make them expensive to treat. These complications include:
- Rabies: A viral disease transferred from the saliva of unvaccinated dogs into wounds. As the virus enters the victim’s central nervous system, the victim will experience fever, pain and a tingling sensation from the bite wound. It could eventually lead to paralysis or even death. To treat rabies, the victim must clean the wound and take a course of potent rabies vaccines, which can cost between $1,200 and $6,500.
- Tetanus: A bacterial infection that also affects the victim’s nervous system. Also known as “lockjaw,” the condition manifests as muscle stiffness and can spread to the rest of the body. Left untreated can lead to breathing problems, pneumonia, or even brain damage. It’s treated through antibiotics, muscle relaxers, and the tetanus vaccine, which can be costly when all purchased together.
- Broken bones: Some dog bites are so severe because of the animal’s immense bite force that they can result in broken bones. This is prevalent for dog bites in extremities such as the hands, feet, and legs. Treating broken bones can cost patients up to $10,000, depending on the injury’s severity.
Dog bites are expensive to treat. If you receive one from any dog – whether it’s your neighbor’s dog or a stranger’s pet – you should consider filing a lawsuit with an attorney’s help to pay for your costly medical bills.
about
Scott M. Blumen
Scott M. Blumen, Attorney at Law, APC offers personalized, results-focused legal help for injury and workers’ compensation cases in San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting started is easy. If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, car accident, construction accident, slip and fall, or another incident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact Scott Blumen Law today. Call (619) 439-1837 to discuss your situation and receive an honest assessment of your legal options.
Since 1989, Scott Blumen has helped thousands of injured individuals throughout San Diego. He is known for providing honest legal advice, straightforward communication, and experienced representation in both workers’ compensation and personal injury law. As a Certified Legal Specialist in Workers’ Compensation Law, he offers knowledge that many firms cannot provide.
Many injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations without going to trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, Scott Blumen is prepared to advocate for your interests throughout the legal process and pursue the best possible outcome.
Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, property damage, and other related losses. Every case is unique, and the available compensation depends on the facts of your claim.
California law places deadlines on filing both personal injury and workers’ compensation claims. Missing these deadlines could affect your ability to recover compensation. Contact Scott Blumen as soon as possible after an accident to discuss the time limits that apply to your case.
Yes, in certain situations. While workers’ compensation covers most work-related injuries, you may also have a separate personal injury claim if a negligent third party contributed to your accident, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or another driver. Scott Blumen has experience handling cases involving both types of claims.
Although you are not legally required to hire an attorney, having experienced legal representation can be extremely beneficial if your claim is delayed, denied, your benefits are disputed, or your injury is serious. Scott Blumen is a Certified Legal Specialist in California Workers’ Compensation Law and has over 30 years of experience helping injured workers.
Your health should always come first. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, report the accident if appropriate, gather photos and witness information when possible, and avoid discussing fault with insurance companies before speaking with an attorney. Prompt legal guidance can help protect your rights.
Scott Blumen represents clients in a variety of injury-related matters, including:
- Workers’ compensation claims
- Personal injury cases
- Car accidents
- Construction accidents
- Slip and fall injuries
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents
- Brain injuries
- Wrongful death cases
- Product liability claims
Most personal injury and workers’ compensation cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means you generally do not pay attorney fees unless compensation is recovered on your behalf. During your consultation, Scott Blumen can explain how fees apply to your specific case.
The value of a case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, future treatment needs, and how the injury has affected your daily life. Scott Blumen provides straightforward, honest assessments rather than unrealistic promises so you know what to realistically expect.
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence or suffered an injury while performing your job, you may have a valid legal claim. Every situation is different, so the best way to determine your options is through a consultation. Call Scott Blumen Law at (619) 439-1837 to discuss your case and receive an honest evaluation.
