Top 10 States for Dog Bite Claims in 2013

Your dog is your best friend—until it bites. Even typically docile dogs may bite when they are frightened or when defending their puppies, owners, or food. Dog bites accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2013, says the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) and State Farm. Those claims cost more than $483 million.

According to an analysis of homeowners insurance data by the I.I.I., the number of dog bite claims nationwide increased 5.5% in 2013, while the average cost per claim for the year dropped 6.4%. These figures may be attributable to non-bite injuries captured in the analysis, including scratching, tripping, knocking down, or frightening a person. These types of claims are typically less costly than dog bites, which sometimes require reconstructive surgery, says I.I.I.

Despite dropping in the past year, the average cost per claim nationally has been rising the past decade. The average cost has risen more than 45% from 2003 to 2013 due to increased medical costs and the size of settlements, judgments, and jury awards given to plaintiffs, says Loretta Worters, vice president of I.I.I.

(Click chart on right to enlarge.)

Are you cynophobic yet? Don't be! As I.I.I. notes, the best way to protect yourself from a dog bite claim is to prevent your dog from biting anyone in the first place. The most dangerous dogs are those that fall victim to human shortcomings such as poor training, irresponsible ownership, and breeding practices that foster viciousness. Positive reinforcement training methods can lower the likelihood that a dog will bite.

May 18-24 is National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Click next to see the top 10 U.S. states for dog bite claims in 2013 and to read some tips from I.I.I. on being a responsible dog owner.

10. Wisconsin

Number of claims: 449

Average cost per claim: $31,629

Value of claims: $14.2 million

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is designed to provide consumers with information on how to be responsible pet owners while increasing awareness of a serious public health issue. If you're thinking about getting a dog, consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to learn about suitable breeds of dogs for your household and neighborhood.

9. Arizona

Claims: 488

Average Cost: $27,556

Value: $13.4M

Before making a dog a part of your family, spend time with it. See how it gets acquainted with the entire family. Use caution when bringing a dog into a home with an infant or toddler. A dog with a history of aggression is inappropriate in a household with children.

8. Indiana

Claims: 503

Average Cost: $25,502

Value: $12.8M

If you do have children, be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful of or apprehensive about a dog. If they are, delay acquiring a dog. Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.

7. Texas

Claims: 775

Average Cost: $19,339

Value: $15M

Socialize your dog so it knows how to act with other people and animals. Taking it on walks and to dog parks is a great way to do that.

6. Michigan

Claims: 866

Average Cost: $24,700

Value: $21.4M

Children always want to play, and that may have bad consequences if they don't learn when and when not to play with dogs. Discourage children from disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping.

5. Pennsylvania

Claims: 909

Average Cost: $29,078

Value: $26.4M

It is important to keep your dog from aggressive situations. Play non-aggressive games such as "go fetch." Playing aggressive games like "tug-of-war" can encourage inappropriate behavior.

4. Illinois

Claims: 914

Average Cost: $28,941

Value: $26.5M

Avoid exposing your dog to new situations in which you are unsure of its response. Allow your dog to gradually get accustomed to new surroundings or situations.

3. Ohio

Claims: 948

Average Cost: $18,853

Value: $17.9M

Take caution when meeting or passing by a dog you don't know. Never approach a strange dog and always avoid eye contact with a dog that appears threatening.

2. New York

Claims: 965

Average Cost: $43,122

Value: $41.6M

Immediately seek professional advice from veterinarians or animal behaviorists if your dog develops aggressive or undesirable behaviors despite taking steps to prevent these behaviors.

1. California

Claims: 1,919

Average Cost: $33,709

Value: $64.7M

California is the state with the most dog bite claims, with nearly 1,000 more claims than New York, the state with the second most claims. On average, dog bite claims in California coast $33,709.

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