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California Leads in Dog Bite Claims

According to State Farm Insurance, California led the country in the number of dog bite claims filed in 2010.  Overall, there were 369 dog bite claims filed in the state in 2010.  These resulted in total payouts of $11.3 million.  The average dog bite claim in California was settled for about $30,000.

Following California in the number of dog bite claims was Florida with 317 dog bite claims in 2010.  This was followed by Ohio which had 215 dog bite claims, Texas which had 202 dog bite claims last year, Michigan with 166 claims, Pennsylvania with 155 claims, Minnesota with 139 claims, New York with 119 claims and Indiana with 114 claims.

This information has been released in time for National Dog Bite Prevention Week which, this year, will be marked from the 15 May to 21 May.  Over this week, Los Angeles dog bite lawyers, animal groups and veterinarians will be raising awareness about the need for responsible dog ownership and prevention of dog bites.  Every year, approximately 4.7 million people are the victims of dog bites.  An overwhelming majority of these are children.  Out of the millions of dog bites that occur every year, 800,000 are serious enough for persons to be rushed to emergency rooms.  In the case of children who are bitten by dogs, most attacks occur when the child is petting a dog, and involve pet dogs or neighbors’ dogs.

Responsible dog ownership can mean a number of different things.  The most responsible thing a dog owner could do is select the right breed of dog.  For instance, Los Angeles dog bite attorneys often come across owners of aggressive breeds, who are simply not equipped to take care of these animals.  For instance, pit bulls are highly energetic animals that need plenty of exercise and room to run about.  When these dogs are raised in apartment buildings, or in small enclosed yards, chained to a pole, with very little freedom to move about and little exercise, it’s natural for the animal’s aggressive traits to surface.

Many pit bull owners chose these breeds, not because they like the animals, but because these animals help them to project an image of machismo or toughness.  Sadly, when these animals who have little exercise and have not been socialized, are involved in dog bites, it’s innocent victims who suffer.  The decision to buy a dog should not be one that is on impulse.  If you have a family with children, avoid aggressive breeds altogether.

Socialization of your animal is extremely important.  If you don’t know how to go about socializing your dog, seek professional help.  Make sure the dog has plenty of walking and exercise every day.  When you’re out in public with your dog, make sure that the animal is on a leash.

The Reeves Law Group is a law firm with offices throughout California dedicated exclusively to the representation of personal injury victims, including victims of dog bites. Please visit our website at trlglaw.com. If you desire a free consultation on a personal injury matter, please call us at (800) 644-8000 or email us.

The Reeves Law Group is not representing any party in the matters discussed in this posting.

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