10 States with the Most Dog Bites

States with the most dog bites

1. California

Number of claims: 2,104

Value of claims: $143.3 million

It’s no wonder that California has the highest number of dog bite claims, as the state also owns more dogs than any U.S. state. Nearly 40% of California households own at least one dog.^[2] And not all of the dog bites in California are leading to claims. In 2022 in California, there were 48,596 dog bites serious enough to warrant ER visits. That averages 125 visits per 100,000 residents, Department of Health Care Access and Information.^[3]

2. Florida

Number of claims: 1,532

Value of claims: $102.1 million

On the other coast, Florida has the second highest number of dog bite claims following California. Much like with California, the number of claims doesn’t account for the whole picture of how many bites are occurring each year. Florida has a bite rate of 25.2 out of every 100,000 people, compared to the national average of 18.9 bites per capita. Children make up over half of all dog bite victims in Florida.^[4]

3. Texas

Number of claims: 1,040

Value of claims: $62.3 million

Texas ranks ninth in the U.S. in terms of percentage of households owning dogs, and yet it ranks number three in the country for dog bite claims. Texas also has a history with more serious bites, leading the country in terms of number of fatal dog bites in the past, and usually up in the top three.^[5]

4. Michigan

Number of claims: 932

Value of claims: $64.5 million

Approximately 41.9% of Michigan pet owners have a dog, with an average of 1.6 animals per Michiganer. Michigan is also one of 22 states that prohibits breed-specific legislation (cities or towns outlawing certain dog breeds).^[6] 

5. Ohio

Number of claims: 885

Value of claims: $34.6 million

In Ohio, around 38% of households own dogs. Dog bites account for approximately 75% of all bites to people reported in Ohio each year.^[7]

6. Pennsylvania

Number of claims: 857

Value of claims: $46.2 million

Pennsylvanians also own a lot of dogs with around 39% of households owning at least one dog.^[8] Pennsylvania has actually fallen down the list in terms of number of dog bite claims, as in previous years it has ranked fifth. 

7. New York

Number of claims: 851

Value of claims: $56.7 million

New York State has a slightly lower incidence of pet ownership than the U.S. average. However, dogs are still the most popular choice. And as in other states, not all of them are well-trained. There are around 6,000 emergency room visits in New York related to dog bites each year.^[9]

8. Illinois

Number of claims: 837

Value of claims: $61.8 million

Illinois has a pet ownership rate of 48.6% and of those, and 32.4% of pets in Illinois homes are dogs. Illinois has also gone down the list a bit, as in the past it had the second highest number of dog bite claims in the U.S.^[10]

9. New Jersey

Number of claims: 649

Value of claims: $40.4 million

New Jersey actually has one of the lowest rates of pet ownership in the U.S., but it is also the most densely populated state, so there are still plenty of dogs…and thus plenty of dog bite claims.^[11]

10. Georgia

Number of claims: 495

Value of claims: $28.5 million

36% of Georgians own at least one dog. The state of Georgia ranks eighth in population yet sixth in the number of dog bite fatalities over the last ten years.^[12]

Laws around liability for dog bites

Dog bite liability laws in the United States vary significantly from state to state, reflecting different approaches to holding dog owners accountable for injuries caused by their pets.

Understanding these differences is crucial for dog owners and bite victims alike. 

State differences in dog bite liability laws

The primary variations in dog bite liability laws among states revolve around the level of responsibility placed on dog owners and the conditions under which they can be held liable. Two main legal doctrines guide these laws: strict liability statutes and the one-bite rule.

1. Strict liability statutes

Under strict liability statutes, a dog owner is held liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the animal's past behavior or the owner's knowledge of potential danger.

This means that even if the dog has never shown aggression or bitten anyone before, the owner is still responsible for any injuries it causes.

Example States: States like California, Florida and Illinois follow strict liability laws. In these states, an injured person does not need to prove that the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression. Simply proving that the dog caused the injury is sufficient for the owner to be held liable.

2. The one-bite rule

The one-bite rule, also known as the "first bite free" rule, offers more leniency to dog owners. Under this rule, an owner may not be held liable for the first incident of their dog biting someone, provided they had no prior knowledge of the dog's aggressive tendencies.

Liability typically arises only after the dog has previously bitten someone or shown signs of aggression, making the owner aware of the potential danger.

Example states: States like Texas, Virginia and New York adhere to the one-bite rule. In these states, proving the owner's knowledge of the dog's dangerous behavior is crucial for holding them liable. If the dog has no history of aggression, the owner may not be held responsible for the first bite incident.

3. Hybrid approaches

Some states employ a hybrid approach, combining elements of strict liability and the one-bite rule. In these states, liability may depend on various factors, such as the victim's actions, the circumstances of the incident and whether the owner was negligent in controlling the dog.

Example states: States like Pennsylvania and Ohio use comparative negligence or mixed liability systems. This means that liability might be shared between the dog owner and the bite victim based on their respective levels of fault.

If you own a dog, even if it is well-behaved, it's crucial to be aware of your state's specific laws to ensure proper precautions and legal protection in the event of a dog bite incident.

Homeowners insurance and dog bite claims

If you have a dog, homeowners insurance may cover incidents where that dog causes injury to others.

However, some insurance companies may not cover certain breeds of dogs or dogs considered dangerous or with a previous bite history. In those cases, the homeowner’s insurance policy may charge a higher premium or exclude the dog from coverage.

Here are two ways home insurance protects you in cases of dog bites. 

1. Liability coverage

Most standard home insurance policies include liability coverage, which is designed to protect the policyholder against legal and financial responsibility if someone is injured on their property or by their pets.

This coverage typically extends to dog bites, meaning if your dog bites someone, your home insurance policy can help cover the medical expenses, legal fees and any settlements or judgments resulting from a lawsuit.

2. Medical payments to others

In addition to liability coverage, many home insurance policies offer a provision known as "medical payments to others." This coverage can help pay for minor medical expenses incurred by someone injured by your dog, regardless of whether you are found legally liable. This can include immediate medical treatment, such as emergency room visits and necessary medical supplies.

It's important to understand the limits and exclusions of your home insurance policy. Liability coverage and medical payments to others typically have a cap, meaning the insurance will only pay up to a certain amount. Reviewing your policy and discussing it with your insurance agent can help ensure you have adequate protection.

Preventing dog bites

Obviously, you'd prefer to not have to deal with dog bite claims at all, so if own a furry friend, here are some tips.

1. Proper training and socialization

One of the most effective ways to prevent dog bites is through proper training and socialization. Enroll your dog in obedience classes where they can learn basic commands and proper behavior. Regularly expose your dog to different environments, people and other animals to help them become well-adjusted and less likely to react aggressively out of fear or anxiety.

2. Supervise interactions

Always supervise your dog when they are interacting with strangers, children or other animals. Even well-behaved dogs can react unpredictably in certain situations. Ensuring your dog is under control can prevent potential incidents from escalating. And if your dog gets nervous with new people, keep your dog separated when you have people over. 

3. Understand your dog's body language

Learn to recognize the signs of stress, fear or aggression in your dog. Common signs include growling, baring teeth, raised hackles and a stiff posture. If you notice any of these behaviors, remove your dog from the situation immediately to prevent a bite.

4. Secure your property

Ensure your yard and home are secure to prevent your dog from escaping and encountering unfamiliar people or animals. Use sturdy fences and gates, and consider installing locks or alarms to alert you if your dog manages to get out.

5. Educate others

Educate family members, especially children, and visitors on how to safely interact with your dog. Teach them to avoid approaching your dog when they are eating, sleeping or caring for puppies. Emphasize the importance of gentle, non-threatening behavior.

6. Regular veterinary check-ups

Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify and address any health issues that may contribute to aggressive behavior. Pain or illness can cause even the most docile dog to act out, so maintaining your dog's health is crucial.

7. Consider professional help

If your dog shows signs of aggression or has a history of biting, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can work with you to develop a behavior modification plan tailored to your dog's specific needs.

Wrapping up

Having a dog can bring great joy to you and your family, but it's also a big reponsibility. As the owner, you are often liable for any damage your dog causes.

Even if your dog is well-trained, it's a good idea to be aware of the laws in your state and to know the limits of your insurance policy, so you're ready if the unthinkable happens.