While pet owners across America and in states like Wisconsin, love their dogs, turns out having one may be more costly than expected. With more than 16,000 dog bite claims filed during 2011 alone, dog bites accounted for more than 33 percent of home insurance claims.
Every year an estimated 4.5 million people suffer dog bites. Of those individuals bit, the majority are children. A dog bite can result in serious and disfiguring injuries including puncture wounds and injuries to the face. Depending on the breed of dog and age of the victim, some dog bite and attack injuries may even result in death.
Nearly 20 percent of those individuals who are bit by a dog seek medical attention for their injuries. Some individuals may also take legal action against the dog owner by filing a personal injury claim. Due to the costs involved with litigation, most dog bite claims are settled outside of court with the average settlement amount totaling roughly $24,000.
Due to the prevalence and high costs associated with dog bite claims, some dog owners who also own homes may be denied coverage. Many smaller and independent insurance agencies will not insurance home owners who own specific breeds of dogs known to be more aggressive. These breeds include pit bulls, Rottweilers and Doberman pinschers.
Individuals who are bit by a dog may want to consider taking legal action. Dog bites can result in painful and disfiguring injuries that may require medical attention and plastic surgery. Likewise, individuals bit by a dog may seek to recover damages associated with emotional distress, pain and suffering.
Source: The Advocate: "Dog bites rank high among insurance claims," Ted Griggs, July 24, 2012
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