In honor of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, fresh data from the Insurance Information Institute (Triple I) and State Farm reveal a striking rise in dog-related injury claims. In 2024, insurers paid out $1.57 billion in dog bite and other dog-related injury claims, a sharp increase from 2023 (iii.org).
Key stats to know:
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Number of claims: 22,658, representing an 18.9% increase compared to 2023 (iii.org).
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Average cost per claim: $69,272, up 18.3% from 2023 (iii.org).
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Ten-year trend: The average cost of a claim has increased more than 86% since 2015 (iii.org).
What Homeowners’ Insurance Typically Covers
Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies generally include liability coverage for dog-related injuries:
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Typical limits range between $100,000 and $300,000 per incident (iii.org, chicago-injury-lawyer.org).
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Any costs beyond that limit are usually the responsibility of the dog owner.
Why These Numbers Matter and Why You Should Care
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Costly claims: Dog-related injury claims are now among the most expensive types of homeowners’ liability payouts, with the average incident nearing $70,000.
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Legal exposure: If your dog injures someone either at your home or while out on a walk, your liability coverage may not be enough to cover the full medical and legal costs.
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Preventable risk: Most dog bites can be prevented with proper training, supervision, and responsible pet ownership.
What Oregon Residents Should Know
Review Your Liability Coverage
Ensure your policy provides sufficient coverage, especially if your dog spends time outdoors or frequently interacts with guests.
Consider an Umbrella Policy
An umbrella policy provides extra protection beyond your basic homeowners insurance and is valuable for serious injuries.
Document and Disclose Your Dog
Not disclosing a pet to your insurance company can lead to denied claims or even cancellation of coverage (reuters.com, iii.org).
Prioritize Prevention
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Supervise children around pets and teach them safe interaction techniques.
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Always use leashes or fencing in public or open areas.
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Consider professional obedience training or behavior classes.
Final Thoughts
Dog-related injury claims continue to rise in both frequency and cost. The best protection comes from two steps: making sure your insurance provides adequate liability coverage and practicing responsible prevention at home.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in Oregon, Dwyer Williams Cherkoss can help. Our experienced dog bite attorneys provide free consultations and will guide you through your options. Call us at 541-617-0555 today.