Even though they can be man’s best friend, dogs can also carry some serious liabilities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dogs bite about 4.5 million people each year with about 885,000 requiring medical attention from these bites. More than half of these injuries are in children.
Dog bites accounted for more than $483 million of homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2013, with the average cost per claim being over $27,000 according to the Insurance Information Institute. State laws vary, but dog owners are liable for injuries their pets cause if they are aware their dogs bite, and in some states, owners are liable even if they weren’t aware.
Please supervise your dogs when they are around kids and remind children to always give dogs some space. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your insurance coverage, contact your insurance provider immediately.