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