California has the highest number of dog bite claims in the United States. With millions of dogs living in households across the state, the risk of serious bites and attacks is higher than many people realize. These incidents can cause lasting physical and emotional harm, and they often lead to costly insurance and legal claims.

Here are 20 dog bite accident statistics in California for 2025 every resident should know.

General Dog Bite Data

1. California consistently ranks #1 in the nation for dog bite injury claims. (Source: https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-dog-bites)
2. In 2023, California reported over 2,100 insurance claims related to dog bites.
3. The average cost per dog bite claim in California is more than $65,000, among the highest in the country.
4. Nationwide, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year.

Victim Demographics

5. Children aged 5–9 are the most likely victims of severe dog bites.
6. Over 50% of dog bite injuries occur at the victim’s own home or a friend’s home.
7. Seniors (65+) face the highest risk of hospitalization after a bite.
8. Male victims account for a slightly higher share of severe injuries than females.

Injury & Health Impact

9. About 1 in 5 dog bites requires medical treatment.
10. Dog bites account for over 800,000 annual ER visits nationwide.
11. In California, thousands of victims require plastic or reconstructive surgery due to severe injuries.
12. Dog bites can transmit infections like rabies, tetanus, and MRSA. (Health data: https://www.cdc.gov/dog-bites/index.html)

Legal & Insurance Data

13. California follows “strict liability” laws, meaning dog owners are usually responsible for bites regardless of the dog’s history.
14. Dog bite claims account for over one-third of all homeowners’ liability claims nationwide.
15. In 2022, U.S. insurers paid over $1.3 billion in claims for dog-related injuries.
16. California alone represented nearly 15% of that total payout.

Trends & Breeds

17. Certain large breeds (like pit bulls, rottweilers, and German shepherds) are most often linked to fatal attacks.
18. Fatal dog attacks remain rare, with about 30–40 deaths nationwide each year.
19. Postal workers and delivery drivers are among the most common workplace dog bite victims.
20. The number of claims in California has been steadily increasing for the past 5 years, driven by rising medical costs and urban density. (Industry analysis: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2024/05/06/765432.htm)

Final Thoughts

Dog bites are more than just minor injuries, they often result in serious medical expenses, permanent scarring, and emotional trauma. With California leading the nation in dog bite claims, victims need strong legal support to hold owners accountable. At Hillstone Law, we help clients pursue the compensation they deserve after a serious dog attack.