ESTIMATED NUMBER AND COST OF DOG BITE CLAIMS, 2003-2011
Year Value of claims
($ millions)
Number of claims Average cost
per claim
2003 $324.2 16,919 $19,162
2004 319.0 15,630 20,406
2005 321.1 14,295 22,464
2006 322.3 14,661 21,987
2007 356.2 14,531 24,511
2008 387.2 15,823 24,461
2009 412.0 16,586 24,840
2010 412.6 15,770 26,166
2011 478.9 16,292 29,396
Percent change, 2010-2011 16.1% 3.3% 12.3%
Percent change, 2003-2011 47.7% -3.7% 53.4%

Source: Insurance Information Institute, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company.