Dogs are wonderful companions that we as humans have become very fond of. There are approximately 68 million dogs in the U.S., making pets and pet products a very big business. Living with a dog has been shown to benefit children, adults, and senior citizens both physically and emotionally. At the same time, however, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year more than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs, resulting in an estimated 800,000 injuries that require medical attention.

The latest numbers available show that dog bites are an increasing problem for carriers. According to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), claims related to dog bites cost the insurance industry $317 million in 2005 and $356.2 million in 2007, a significant increase.

As a result, insurers may increase premiums and in many cases exclude specific breeds like rottweilers, German shepherds, and pit bulls from coverage altogether. A total of 32 states have instituted a dog bite statute that makes the owner “strictly” liable for any injury or property damage their dog causes. Depending on the state, the defense may have to prove that the victim provoked the dog in order to minimize or even escape liability. The only other defenses are that the victim was trespassing or that the defendant is not in fact the owner or caretaker of the dog.