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Does Insurance Cover Dog Bite Accidents?

July 23, 2024

Whether you were enjoying a sunny afternoon in your backyard when a neighbor’s dog darted into your space and attacked you or your child was bitten while playing with a friend’s dog, these incidents often have lasting physical, emotional, and financial effects. The unexpected nature of such events makes it difficult to know what steps to take next. Seeking medical attention is the priority, but understanding your rights and knowing if insurance will cover the resulting expenses is also essential.

At Jassim Law, we understand the physical and emotional toll a dog bite can have on you and your family. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and work to help you recover the compensation you deserve for the harm you have suffered. Our experienced team can assist you in gathering the necessary evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and providing the support you need during this challenging time.

Insurance Coverage Options for Dog Attacks in California

California is known for its stringent dog bite laws, which often favor the victim. An owner is liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place — including the owner’s property. This liability applies regardless of whether the dog has shown prior aggression or bitten someone.

Understanding which type of insurance can cover a dog attack is crucial for addressing all related expenses. A Jassim Law dog bite lawyer can help you seek compensation from various insurance sources, which may include:

Homeowners’ Insurance

Homeowners insurance typically covers dog bite claims under the policy’s liability section. This can include medical expenses, legal fees, and any settlements or judgments up to the policy’s limits. Reviewing the specific homeowners’ insurance policy is essential, as some may have breed exclusions or other limitations. Some insurance companies have breed restrictions that exclude coverage for certain dog breeds considered high-risk, such as Pit Bulls or Rottweilers.

Renters Insurance

Renters insurance functions similarly to homeowners’ insurance, often including liability coverage for dog bites. If you rent your home and have renters’ insurance, it might cover medical bills and legal costs associated with a dog bite incident. Again, checking for any breed-specific exclusions is crucial.

Landlord Insurance

If the dog bite occurs on a rental property, the landlord’s insurance might come into play. Some landlord insurance policies include liability coverage for incidents involving tenants’ pets, though this is less common and typically depends on the specifics of the policy.

Auto Insurance

In cases where a dog bite occurs in or around a vehicle, auto insurance might provide coverage. For instance, if a dog bites someone while they are in your car, your auto insurance’s liability coverage could potentially handle the claim.

Personal Umbrella Insurance

Umbrella insurance provides additional liability coverage beyond what standard homeowners, renters, or auto insurance policies offer. This type of policy can be particularly beneficial in severe cases where medical and legal expenses exceed the limits of regular insurance policies.

Health Insurance

While not a liability insurance, your health insurance can cover the medical treatment required after a dog bite. This includes emergency care, surgeries, medications, and follow-up visits. However, health insurance won’t cover pain, suffering, or other non-medical damages, which is where liability insurance becomes essential.

Coverage Limits

Insurance policies have coverage limits, meaning they only pay up to a certain amount. If the medical bills and other expenses exceed these limits, you might need to seek additional compensation through other means, such as a personal injury claim.