California Lead State In Dog Bites

Everyone is not a dog person. Some people prefer cats, and others prefer nothing at all. The trauma of getting injured by an animal follows you for life, primarily when the trauma occurred in your childhood. Our San Diego dog bite injury attorneys at Simpson Law Group works with hundreds of victims of dog bites. We help people hold dog owners accountable for their dog’s behavior. Because California is a strict liability state for dog attacks, the owners will always be held responsible for their dog’s actions. It is important that you seek legal assistance as soon as the incident occurs. 20% of dog bites require medical attention which means an increase in medical bills. Don’t suffer alone. Let our San Diego Dog Bite Injury Attorneys help you get the compensation you deserve.

California Dog Bite Statistics

According to a State Farm insurance report, California is the lead state in the nation for most dog bite insurance claims. In 2017, California filed 488 claims for dog bites through State Farm insurance. Imagine, how many more claims were submitted to other insurance companies. The 488 claims in 2017 resulted in $18.7 million which represents about 14% of all dog-bite injuries in the country. When people file a dog bite claim, it is processed through a person’s home owner’s insurance. The average payout for a dog bite was $37, 051 per claim.

This isn’t surprising to those who have experienced a dog injury. Dog bites vary depending on the breed. Smaller breeds bite more but result in less severe injury because of their small jaw and teeth. Bigger breeds result in severe injury because of their largest jaw and teeth. Dogs who bite typically go for the head, the face, the leg or the arm. Some dogs attack in random public places while others attack inside their homes.

For example, the United States Postal Service or other mail carriers are the most common to experience a dog attack. Mail carriers are more susceptible because they enter people’s property with foreign objects. Dogs are protective over their owners and their territory. Mail carriers challenge a dog’s need to protect, and it shows. In 2018, there were 5,714 attacks on US Postal workers. To decrease the number of attacks, US Postal Workers take necessary precautions. For example, they ask people with dogs to close the door behind them before getting the pack. Or they ask people to put their dogs away.

What We Can Do

Dogs are beautiful creatures, but not all owners know how to treat or train their animals. Dogs are wild animals even though they have been domesticated for years. Animals can act in surprisingly negative ways, but that doesn’t mean you have to deal with the injury on your own.

If you or someone you love is suffering from a dog bite injury, you need to seek legal assistance. Call 619-236-9696 or click here to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney at Simpson Law Group in San Diego today.