Latest Insurance Information Show Increasing Dog Bite Claim Payouts
Dog bite injuries and related canine injuries can require expensive treatment and are a major factor in the increasing payouts made by homeowners insurers. The Insurance Information Institute reports that homeowners’ insurance companies paid some $530 million for dog bite and related canine injuries in 2014. This value makes up more than 1/3 of the total US homeowner insurance payouts for the same period.
Average Cost of a Dog Bite Claim in Florida
The insurance report further states that the average cost per dog bite claim appears to have increased by 15%. While California and New York take the top spots for dog bite claims, the state of Florida ranks high in terms of the average payout for a dog bite claim, at $38,400. Significant factors in the rising values of the insurance payouts are the higher medical costs, value of settlements, jury awards, and judgments related to dog bite claims.
Dog Bite Injury in Florida
Keeping a dog at home can be enjoyable but dog owners are responsible for any injury caused by their pets on others. Studies show that very young children and the elderly are most vulnerable to dog attacks, and such attacks can lead to serious injuries such as deep lacerations on the head, face, and neck and bodily injury. It is also possible for dog bite victims to suffer permanent disfigurement and emotional trauma long after the attack. In severe cases, a dog attack can be fatal.
If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, you can have a claim for compensation against the dog owner.
Claiming Compensation for Dog Bite Injury
Florida dog owners may be covered by homeowners insurance that can be used to pay for damages arising from dog bites and attacks. Compensation can cover all of your past and future medical bills, lost income or wages, damages for any disfigurement, pain and suffering, and other costs relating to a dog bite injury.
It’s important to speak to an experienced Vero Beach personal injury attorney who can deal with the insurance company, prepare the necessary documents to support your claim, and if necessary, to aggressively pursue an award for damages in court.
In Stuart, Florida, the Law Office of Keith Bregoff has more than 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. Lawyer Keith Bregoff is a former insurance attorney who has handled every aspect of injury claims arising from accidents and dog bites.
We invite you to speak to one of our Vero Beach dog bite attorneys in a free consultation by calling (772) 492-8967.
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