2. Illinois, 317 claims, $9.7 million paid

3. Ohio, 215 claims, $5.7 million paid

4. Texas, 202 claims, $3.7 million paid

5. Michigan, 166 claims, $5.2 million paid

6. Pennsylvania, 155 claims, $3.9 million paid

7. Florida, 146 claims, $5.6 million paid

8. Minnesota, 139 claims, $3.4 million paid

9. New York, 119 claims, $4.3 million paid

10. Indiana, 114 claims, $1.8 million paid

In total, these ten states were responsible for close to $55 million in insurance payouts for 1,942 claims; averaging $28,321,32 per claim. Out of the top ten leading states, only Ohio has reserved the right to refuse claims on a breed-specific basis. Ohio-based insurance companies are free to refuse claims or raise rates for owners of pit pulls or any American Staffordshire terrier mix. All states allow for insurance companies to inquire about pets and their dispositions on applications for homeowner’s insurance, however.

Since this week is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, it is appropriate to study this phenomenon as well as uncover the legal ramifications associated with dog ownership and what is likely to happen in the unfortunate event a dog were to attack another person.

Dog bites are not limited to postal carriers, although this week’s statistics detailing the number of postal workers attacked by dogs in 2010 is telling of just how realistic this stereotype actually is. In 2010, 5,669 postal employees were attacked by dogs and injuries cost the postal service $1.2 million. Topping the list, 62 letter carriers were attacked in Houston last year. Other top cities for postal worker attacks include Columbus, Ohio, Los Angeles, Louisville, San Antonio and Cleveland.

The best way to avoid injury at the hands of an oncoming canine is to be prepared with knowledge about how to thwart attacks. For instance, never run past a dog you are not familiar with as a dog’s natural instinct is to chase. Always avoid eye contact with a threatening dog and never approach a strange dog even if it is tethered or on a leash. If a dog attack seems imminent, reach for the closest possible object to place between you and the animal. This could be anything from a bicycle to a purse or backpack.

Californians should beware of personal injury lawsuits if they choose to keep dogs as pets. The California legislature has made it easier than nearly every other state for victims of dog bite attacks to hold owners or handlers responsible. While most states require a history of viciousness or a propensity for violence on the part of the dog before strict liability can be applied, California dog bite statutes state that “the owner of any dog is liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness….”

Attorney Emery Brett Ledger specializes in personal injury litigation and hopes to bring awareness to the increasing problem of vicious dog bite attacks. If you or a loved one have been injured by a dog, contact our offices today to set up a free consultation.