This is a trending question, understandably so, given that around 65 million American households have dogs, and approximately 45 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Dog bites are not only physically and emotionally traumatic, they leave permanent scars and can also lead to expensive medical bills, lost wages, and even legal disputes.
To learn the answer to this question you should look through the pages of your homeowner’s insurance policy. If you don’t already know what yours says, this would be a great time to learn and review your coverage details.
Understanding Homeowners Insurance and Dog Bites
Most, not all, homeowner’s insurance policies provide some level of liability coverage for dog bites. Typically, this can be found under the personal liability portion of your policy, which covers injuries or damages your dog causes to others. However, dog bite protection is not standard in most renter’s insurance policies. This is a great reminder to do some research into your specific coverage.
More than ever, we are seeing a rise in delivery services that conveniently bring our groceries, prescriptions, and other needs directly to our front door; however, with this convenience there has also been an increase in dog bites amongst delivery workers. If you or someone you know has been injured, consulting an experienced atlanta dog bite attorney can help clarify your legal rights and insurance options.
Breed Restrictions and Policy Limitations
Many insurance companies have breed restrictions, meaning they exclude coverage for certain dog breeds considered high-risk, such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and German Shepherds. If your dog falls into one of these high-risk categories, your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may provide protection in the event of a dog bite. Once again, your best line of defense is to become very familiar with your personal policy coverages and exclusions.
Additionally, some policies have limits on the amount of coverage provided for dog bites. If the claim exceeds your policy limit, you may need to pay the remaining costs out of pocket. Some insurers also require dog owners to take additional measures, such as obedience training or securing their pets in a fenced area, to maintain coverage.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
If your dog bites someone or you have been bitten by someone else’s pet, follow these steps:
- Seek Medical Attention – Even minor bites can easily become infected.
- Exchange Information – Provide your contact details and homeowner’s insurance information to the injured party.
- Report the Incident – It is strongly encouraged to report dog bites to local authorities. Call 911 to have a police officer come out to create an animal control incident report, and most likely animal control will also be called out to file their report.
- Get Insurance Information or Contact Your Insurance Provider – It is important to identify any applicable policies and put them on notice of the incident immediately.
Final Thoughts
Although homeowner’s and renter’s insurance may add a layer of protection to you in the event of a dog bite; the most important thing you can do is to review your policy today. Check for exclusions and consider additional liability coverage if necessary. Being proactive can help prevent financial and legal troubles in the future.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by someone else’s dog, call Southside Injury Attorneys for a free case evaluation (866-982-5295) and visit our dog bite legal resource page for more information.
