{"id":760,"date":"2015-01-29T22:40:00","date_gmt":"2015-01-30T03:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thefloridainsuranceblog.com\/?p=760"},"modified":"2026-04-16T21:41:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T01:41:10","slug":"dog-bites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greatflorida.com\/blog\/2015\/dog-bites\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog Bites"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Florida<\/a>Man\u2019s best friend has served as a loyal companion throughout history. While most dogs are trained or well behaved, there are those who behave aggressively. When a dog is fearful, frustrated, threatened or in pain, it is common that they respond with hostility and can inflict serious harm.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Florida, if your dog bites someone even if it is a first time occurrence, the owner is held liable,\u201d reports Dustyn Shroff<\/a>, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance<\/a>. According to American Veterinary Medical Association<\/a>, dog bites claims accounted for one-third of all homeowners\u2019 liability insurance<\/a> claims. Over $28,000 was the average payment by insurers for dog bite claims in 2013.<\/p>\n

\u201cHomeowners insurance<\/a> and renter\u2019s insurance<\/a> policies generally cover dog bite liability legal expenses,\u201d says Buck. Each insurer is responsible for checking into their liability limits. The dog owner is responsible for damages that exceed claim limits.<\/p>\n

Millions of people are bit by a dog every year. Half of the victims are children, claims the National Institutes of Health<\/a>. Common victims of dog bites include children, adult males and dog owners. An animal attack can cause mental as well as physical injury. Some of those injuries include severe bruising and contusions, lacerations and severe scratching, scarring and rabies. Some suffer broken bones from falls in an attempt flee from an animal attack.<\/p>\n

While certain breeds tend to bite more than others, all dogs are capable of biting. Statistically the following are considered the most dangerous dog breeds.<\/p>\n