How Much Does a Dog Bite Really Cost?
Learn how much a dog bite can really cost you.
A new report from State Farm Insurance details the true cost of a dog bite.
According to State Farm Insurance, the increasing incidence of dog bites has become a serious health problem. The rising number of dog bite injuries and fatalities occurring each year also represents a significant cost to insurers, dog bite victims and dog owners. The company estimates that in 2010, nearly $412 million in claims were paid stemming from 15, 770 dog bite claims. In 2010, California ranked first in the total number of insurance claims stemming from dog bites, with 369 injuries reported. From these 369 claims, an estimated $11 million was paid out to victims by insurance companies. If you've been attacked by a dog through no fault of your own, you need to understand how much a dog bite can actually cost.
Medical Costs
One of the biggest costs faced by a dog bite victim is medical treatment. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may require hospitalization, extensive reconstructive surgery and physical therapy to fully recover. These costs can quickly add up, particularly if you're underinsured or lack sufficient health care coverage. According to State Farm insurance, the average cost of a dog bite claim in 2010 was $26,166. Even if you only sustain minor injuries, your medical bills can quickly add up if you need x-rays or ongoing outpatient treatment.If you're faced with paying these expenses out of pocket, you may find yourself
Lost Income
If a dog bite has left you or someone you love seriously injured, you may have to take an extended leave of absence from your job. Depending on the industry in which you're employed, a significant absence from work could translate to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. A substantial loss of income can potentially have life-altering consequences for you and your family, including the loss of your home, vehicles or even bankruptcy if you're unable to pay your bills.
Emotional Trauma
In addition to the physical pain associated with a dog bite, victims may also experience emotional trauma following a dog attack. In some cases, dog bite victims may become so fearful of another attack that they are reluctant to engage in activities they once enjoyed. If dog bite injuries have left you permanently disfigured or disabled, this can also affect your personal relationships and make it more difficult for you to resume your daily activities.
Burial Expenses
In addition to the possibility of serious injuries, a vicious dog attack can also lead to death. According to State Farm, there were 33 dog bite fatalities in 2010. Of these victims, 20 were young children. If your child is attacked and killed by someone's dog, you may be faced with thousands of dollars in burial costs. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral and burial in the U.S. is approximately$7,000.
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite and sustained serious injuries, you need to speak with a California dog bite attorney right away. The law firm of Nadrich & Cohen handles cases from dog bite victims in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and throughout California. We are committed to helping dog attack victims get the compensation they're entitled to for their medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Call our Injury Hotline today at 1-800-718-4658 to speak with a member of our dog bite injury team. Your initial case evaluation is free and there is never a fee unless we recover a judgment on your behalf. Call now to get the expert legal representation you need to prove your California dog bite injury claim.
