Dog Bite Settlements on the Rise: What’s Your Claim Worth in 2025?

In 2024, U.S. insurers paid out approximately $1.6 billion in dog-related injury claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and State Farm. This staggering figure underscores a clear trend: dog bite settlements are on the rise, and understanding the factors that influence these settlements is more critical than ever. If you or a loved one has experienced the trauma of a dog bite, knowing what your claim could be worth in 2025 is essential.

Why Are Dog Bite Settlements Increasing?

Several factors contribute to the upward trajectory of dog bite settlement amounts.

Rising Medical Costs: The increasing cost of medical care is a primary driver. Dog bites can result in severe injuries requiring extensive treatment, including surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
Increased Legal Expenses: Legal expenses associated with dog bite claims are also on the rise, contributing to the overall cost of settlements.
Jury Awards: There is a growing trend of larger settlements, judgments, and jury awards in favor of plaintiffs in dog bite cases. As one expert noted, “The reason that we’re seeing more and more very high verdicts on dog bites is because the public and the judiciary has recognized the pain, trauma and often disfigurement arising from a dog bite.”
Increased Awareness: Heightened public awareness of dog bite injuries and victims’ rights may also play a role in the increasing number and value of claims.

National Trends and Statistics

The Insurance Information Institute (III) and State Farm provide valuable data on dog bite claims:

In 2024, there were 22,658 dog-related injury claims in the U.S., a nearly 19% increase from 2023.
The average cost per claim increased by 18% in 2024, reaching $69,272, up from $58,545 in 2023.
Over the past decade, the average cost per claim has risen by approximately 86%.
California, Florida, and Texas consistently have the highest number of dog bite claims.

Factors Affecting Your Dog Bite Settlement

The value of a dog bite claim is influenced by numerous factors, including:

Severity of Injuries: The extent and nature of your injuries are paramount. More severe injuries, such as fractures, nerve damage, permanent scarring, and disfigurement, typically result in higher settlements. Emotional injuries, such as the psychological impact of the attack, are also considered.
Medical Expenses: The total cost of medical treatment, including past, present, and future expenses, is a significant component of the settlement. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medications, therapy, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages and Income: If your injuries have caused you to miss work or reduce your earning capacity, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and potential future income losses.
Pain and Suffering: You can receive compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, anxiety, and reduced quality of life resulting from the dog bite.
Insurance Coverage: The dog owner’s insurance coverage, typically through a homeowner’s policy, can significantly impact the settlement amount. However, coverage levels vary, and if the owner is uninsured or underinsured, securing a fair settlement can be more challenging.
Liability and Negligence: The strength of the evidence supporting your claim, including witness statements, medical records, and proof of the dog owner’s negligence, can affect the outcome.
State and Local Laws: Dog bite laws vary by state and even by locality. Some states have “strict liability” laws, where the owner is liable regardless of prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerousness. Other states follow the “one-bite rule,” where the owner is only liable if they knew the dog had a propensity for violence.
Location of the Incident: The state and even the specific location where the dog bite occurred can influence the settlement amount. States with higher costs of living, like California and Florida, may have higher average settlements.
Provocation: Most states have laws that prevent recovery if the injured person provoked the dog.
Age of the Victim: Settlements for dog bites involving children often consider the long-term impact of the injury, including potential future pain and suffering.

Estimating Your Claim’s Worth

While it’s impossible to predict the exact value of your dog bite claim without a thorough evaluation, understanding average settlement ranges can provide a general idea.

Average Settlements: The average dog bite settlement in the U.S. can range from $10,000 to $100,000, but can be substantially higher depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Some law firms report average settlements around $97,517.86, while others cite figures around $69,272 based on recent insurance data.
California: In California, the average dog bite settlement is approximately $68,125 when comparing 2023 and 2022 data.
Florida: Dog bite settlements in Florida typically range from $25,000 to $455,000 for cases with severe injuries.
New York: In Queens, New York, dog bite settlements can range from $15,000 to $250,000, with severe cases exceeding $500,000.

Recent Changes in Dog Bite Laws

Several states have recently updated their dog bite laws, which could impact your claim:

New York: New York has eliminated the “one-bite rule,” making it easier for victims to recover compensation by only needing to demonstrate that the dog owner did not take reasonable precautions to prevent the attack.
Florida: Florida’s Pam Rock Act requires dangerous dogs to be registered and microchipped, and owners must carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance.
California: California has introduced clearer owner responsibilities, faster reporting protocols, and stronger consequences for repeat offenders.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, taking the following steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your potential claim:

Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health and safety by seeking immediate medical attention. Dog bites can cause serious infections and injuries.
Report the Incident: Report the bite to local animal control authorities.
Gather Information: Collect as much information as possible, including the dog owner’s name, contact information, and insurance details. Also, obtain contact information from any witnesses.
Document Everything: Take photographs of your injuries, the scene of the attack, and any relevant details. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, expenses, and lost income.
Consult an Attorney: Contact a personal injury attorney experienced in dog bite cases. An attorney can evaluate your claim, advise you on your legal options, and help you navigate the complex legal process.

The Value of Legal Representation

Studies show that dog bite victims with legal representation typically receive settlements 3-5 times higher than those who handle claims independently. An experienced attorney can:

Evaluate Your Claim: Assess the full value of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future losses.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies, protecting you from lowball offers and unfair tactics.
Gather Evidence: Investigate the incident, gather evidence to support your claim, and establish liability.
Navigate Legal Complexities: Understand state and local dog bite laws and navigate the legal process effectively.
Represent You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can represent you in court and advocate for your rights before a judge and jury.

Dog bite claims are on the rise, and understanding the factors that influence settlement amounts is crucial for victims seeking fair compensation. By seeking medical attention, gathering evidence, and consulting with an experienced attorney, you can protect your rights and maximize the value of your claim in 2025.