Were You Injured by a Dog?

Who May Qualify

You may be entitled to compensation if you or your child was bitten or attacked by a dog. Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the U.S. — 800,000 require medical attention and roughly 50% of victims are children.

• ✔You were bitten or attacked by a dog and suffered physical injuries
• ✔The attack was unprovoked and you were lawfully present at the location
• ✔You suffered scarring, disfigurement, infections, nerve damage, or emotional trauma
• ✔You incurred medical bills, lost wages, or other financial losses
• ✔Attack occurred within your state's filing deadline — typically 2–3 years; children's deadlines often extend to age 18

What Compensation May Be Available

Dog bite lawsuits can recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages:

• Medical expenses — emergency room, surgery, hospitalization, follow-up care
• Future medical costs — reconstructive surgery, scar revision, ongoing therapy
• Lost wages during recovery and lost future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and PTSD treatment
• Scarring and disfigurement — especially facial injuries and injuries to children
• Wrongful death damages for fatal attacks

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

Yes — in most cases. Dog bite liability is typically covered under the dog owner's homeowners or renter's insurance policy, regardless of your relationship to the owner. You can file a claim against a family member's policy and insurance pays — not your relative personally.

Over $1.1 billion is paid annually through homeowners insurance for 17,000+ dog bite claims. Most policies carry limits of $300,000–$500,000. Some policies exclude certain breeds — an attorney can identify all available coverage sources if the dog owner's policy has limitations.

Filing Deadlines by State

Statutes of limitations typically range from 2 to 3 years from the date of the attack. For children, most states toll the deadline until age 18. Missing the deadline permanently bars your claim.

Recent Updates — 2026

• 2026 — National average settlement reaches $69,272 — up 86.1% since 2015 and 18.3% in a single year. Over $1.1 billion paid annually through homeowners insurance.
• Jan 2026 — Georgia jury awards $4.2 million to 82-year-old woman attacked by neighbor's 130-lb Presa Canario mastiff.
• Jan 2025 — Missouri family receives $1 million after 4-year-old bitten by grandmother's German Shepherd — settled against homeowners insurance.
• 2024 — Michigan family settles for $675,000 after 8-year-old attacked by two Rottweilers; child required surgery, scarring treatment, and a year of PTSD therapy.