Dog bites often result in injuries that go beyond just the physical pain. The aftermath of a dog attack may involve a complex and costly medical journey. For those hurt by a dog bite, knowing what medical care they might need and understanding the costs involved are key steps to getting better and managing the situation.
What care might someone need to heal after a dog bite?
The journey to recovery after a dog bite can involve various medical procedures, from initial emergency care to possible long-term rehabilitation. The path to healing may include:
- Emergency treatment – The first step is usually a visit to the emergency room to clean and assess the wound. This may involve stitches for minor bites or more extensive procedures for severe injuries.
- Reconstructive surgery – The numbers tell us that thousands of people each year need surgery to fix the damage to their skin and muscles and to make the injured area look better. In 2022 alone, 18,917 individuals needed such surgeries, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
- Rabies and tetanus shots – If the dog’s vaccination history is unknown, victims may need shots to prevent rabies and tetanus, which are additional costs to consider.
- Physical therapy – Some dog bites result in reduced mobility or function, necessitating physical therapy to help the victim regain strength and flexibility.
- Psychological counseling – The harm from a dog bite is not only physical. Dog bites can lead to psychological trauma, such as fear of dogs or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which may require professional counseling.
Given the unique circumstances of each canine attack, victims require personalized recovery strategies that address both physical injuries and psychological trauma, potentially impacting their legal claims and long-term well-being.
How much could that care cost?
Unfortunately, each of the treatments dog bite victims undergo comes with its own set of complexities and costs, and those costs can add up quickly. “Recent data shows a significant financial impact from dog-related injuries. The Insurance Information Institute (2023) reports that in 2022, homeowners’ insurance companies paid out $1.13 million for dog-related injury claims, including severe dog bites. Furthermore, the average cost per dog bite claim in the United States in 2023 was $58,545.”
Unfortunately, each of the treatments dog bite victims undergo comes with its own set of complexities and costs, and those costs can add up quickly. According to The Triple-I the he average cost per dog bite claim decreased 9.3% in 2023 to $58,545 from $64,555 in 2022. However, “the average cost per claim nationally has risen 82.5% from 2014 to 2023, due to increased medical costs as well as the size of settlements, judgments and jury awards given to plaintiffs, which are trending upwards.” Unfortunately, even an insurance claim might not fully cover the financial impact of a bite.
With the high price of medical care, the impact of a dog bite can be significant. Those who have been bitten have to deal with a potentially long and tough recovery. They also have to navigate insurance claims and possibly legal action to cover their costs. However, it is important to remember that, with help, dog bite victims and their families can make path forward to secure the compensation they deserve.
For more data & statistics on dog bites check out World Animal Foundation.
