Florida Is One of the Leading States for Dog Bites in 2017
A recent nationwide study showed the number of dog bite incidents across the U.S. increased 2.2 percent in 2017 when compared with 2016. The study, which was conducted by insurance industry trade group the Insurance Information Institute (III) and State Farm, the nation’s largest homeowners insurer, analyzed the number of homeowners insurance claims that were filed in 2017 relating to dog bites.
Although this study contains concerning findings regarding an uptick in the number of homeowners insurance claims filed that stemmed from dog bite incidents in 2017, it leaves out all the dog bite incidents where homeowners insurance claims were not filed. Therefore, the real statistics regarding the amount and seriousness of dog bite incidents nationwide and in Florida could very well be much worse than the picture presented in this study.
Florida had the second highest number of dog bite incidents in the nation according to the study and the highest average claim value, a sign that Floridians more likely to be hurt by someone else’s dog, but their injuries are more likely to be more severe than those injured in a dog bite incident in another state.
The Results of the III Study
Dog bites accounted for more than one third of all homeowners liability claim dollars paid out in 2017, costing insurers almost $700 million. The III’s analysis of homeowners insurance data found that the number of dog bite claims nationwide increased to 18,522 in 2017, compared to 18,122 in 2016. The average cost per claim nationwide also increased by 11.5 percent. The average cost paid out for dog bite claims was $37,051 in 2017, compared with $33,230 in 2016.
The state with the second highest number of homeowners insurance claims related to dog bites last year was Florida at 1,345. The Sunshine State also had the highest average cost per claim at $44,700. More people are therefore being bitten by dogs in the Sunshine State and Floridians’ injuries are more serious than those in other states.
The Reality of Dog Bites in Florida
The III study ignores dog owners who may not have homeowners insurance either because they do not own a home and are instead renting or because they do not carry any insurance. Therefore, a dog bite victim may have little recourse if the dog’s owner lacks any insurance coverage or the financial wherewithal to pay for the damages caused by his pet.
Contact Lytal Reiter if You or a Loved One Has Been Injured in a Dog Bite Incident
Dog bites often can result in serious personal injuries. The experienced dog bite attorneys at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath have represented dozens of dog bite victims and their families in personal injury lawsuits involving dog bites and other animal attacks. In many cases, the dog owner may be liable for any injuries suffered as a result of a dog bite or other animal attack in Florida, particularly if they failed to exercise their duty under Florida law to keep others safe from the dog. If you or a loved one have been attacked by a dog or another animal owned by someone else, contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath immediately for a free consultation. Call our office at (561) 655-1990 or (561) 655-1990 to speak with an experienced attorney today.
Call for a free consultation today at (561) 655-1990 or visit our website.
Dog Bite Attorneys in West Palm Beach
About Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath
Conveniently located in West Palm Beach for 27 years, Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, LLP concentrates in Personal Injury, Wrongful death, Medical Malpractice, Product Liability and Auto accidents. At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we specialize in helping victims and their families get fair compensation for injuries caused by the negligence or recklessness of others. Our main areas of practice include personal injury, wrongful death, auto accidents, product liability, medical malpractice, and premise liability. We provide each client with the highest quality representation from a top Florida accident and injury lawyer. Call for a free consultation today at (561) 655-1990 or visit our website.
Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath
515 N Flagler Dr, 10th Floor
West Palm Beach
Florida, FL 33401
(561) 655-1990
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