Dogs helped millions get through the pandemic, providing company and support during the isolation. However, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III) and State Farm, the cost of dog-related injuries that included medical care, settlements, judgments, and jury rewards rose to an estimated $881 million in 2021. Out of all states, number-one ranked California had 2026 claims worth $120.7 million, with New Jersey ranking ninth with 661 claims worth $30.5 million.
Breaking down the numbers
The III points out a 2.2% increase between 2020 and 2021. The average cost of the claim actually went down 1.1%, going from $50,245 in 2020 to $49,025 in 2021. While these are modest shifts, the cost of claims has gone up 39% in the last ten years, rising from $489.7 million for 16,459 claims with an average price per claim of $19,752. The jump in claim costs is due to the increased medical costs, larger settlements, larger judgments, and more significant jury awards to the victims. The value of claims went up 44% over that same period.
These events can be traumatic
Millions of people are nipped or knocked down each year, but the traumatic nature of a severe injury can be life-changing. Whether caused by a neighbor’s dog attacking a child or an unleashed dog chasing a cyclist, the injuries can be severe. The spiraling costs of medical care mean that even more important than ever that victims and their families get help from an attorney who understands the nature of these injuries.