This past year saw a 2.2% decline in the number of dog-related injury claims nationwide, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). However, the cost for these claims in 2022 increased 28% compared with the year prior, the Triple-I reported. The average cost, on a per claim basis, increased 32% year-on-year, reaching $64,555. The total cost of dog bite and dog-related injury claims reached $1.3 billion in 2022. The above slideshow details the 10 states that had the most dog bite claims and highest related claims costs, according to estimates from Triple-I. The states on the list account for more than half of the dog-bite and related claims and claims costs seen in the U.S. According to Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications at the Triple-I, the drop in the number of these claims shows that progress has been made in educating dog owners on responsible pet owners. "Educating dog owners about being responsible will reduce dog-related injuries because, under the right circumstances, any dog might bite," Ruiz said in a release. To this end, the Triple-I offers the following tips to help dog owners reduce the chances of having a biting incident or other act of aggression:

• Know your dog's triggers of aggression.
• Keep your dog secured at home if the dog consistently overreacts to visitors.
• Begin your dog's training sessions early.

Pedestrians and others encountering dogs with whom they are unfamiliar should:

• Never approach a barking, growling, or scared dog
• Ask the dog's guardian for permission before petting their dog
• Avoid leaving children aged 10 and younger alone with a dog

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