It was 1980 when my wife, then 6 years old, climbed off of her grandfather’s lap and wandered over to a small dog. “The dog”, she said, “looked just like Benji, you know from the TV show.” She bent down and sat on her knees to pat the dog’s head. As she reached to feel its soft fur, he bit her on the face, tearing her right eyelid and placing deep puncture wounds on her chin. There was no warning, no low growl, no showing of teeth, just a snap and searing pain.
My wife, now age 46, remembers the attack vividly. She also remembers the blinding light while the doctors stitched her eyelid back together and the stinging ointments dabbed onto her chin. She remembers multiple doctor visits and wearing an eye patch. Miraculously, she doesn’t have permanent scarring.
But most dog bite victims are not as lucky. Some suffer with permanent disfigurement. Some victims suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. Some dog bite victims die.
The Stats
- Between 2005-2019, 521 Americans were killed by a dog. Three hundred forty-six of these victims were killed by Pit Bulls. Pit Bulls make up just 8% of the dogs in the U.S.
- Rottweilers were responsible for 10% of the killings. The remaining 34% of the deaths were attributed to other breeds.
- The average cost per claim paid by insurance companies was $44,760.00 in 2019, in 2018 it was $39,017.00.
- California, Florida and Texas have the highest number of dog bite claims.
- There are an estimated 43 million homes with at least one dog in the United States.
- In 2019, 802 million dollars were paid in claims by insurance companies to cover the costs of medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering to dog bite victims.
Dog owners should be aware that their personal liability coverage on their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies that will cover in the event their dog bites someone. Dog owner’s should check with their insurance company to make sure that they cover their dog’s breed. Some dogs are excluded from coverage, meaning the dog owner will be held liable for all costs.
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury that was not their fault, call The Thomson Law Firm for a FREE consultation today. (540) 777-4900.
The Thomson Law Firms serves clients in Virginia and West Virginia. If you do not reside in Virginia or West Virginia but were injured in Virginia and West Virginia, you will most likely need an attorney licensed in Virginia and West Virginia. Call today to talk to an intake specialist about your case.
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