Sharing your home or rented space with your dog can be a joyful experience that provides valuable and loving companionship. However, owning a pet is a major responsibility. While you may have a well-behaved and well-trained dog, you never know when they may feel threatened and bite someone. Therefore, it is essential to have insurance protection for dog bites as a homeowner or renter. Even if your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance includes liability coverage, your policy may fall short of covering injuries after a dog bite accident or exclude your dog’s breed. It is crucial to review your insurance policies to ensure they cover dog bites and understand any specific terms and breed exclusions.
With the limitations of homeowners’ and renters’ liability coverage, you may choose to get supplementary dog bite protection or an umbrella policy, which is secondary coverage you can get on top of your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance for extra financial protection. In addition to protecting you against dog bite accidents, an umbrella policy covers other costs and damages unrelated to pets. This more comprehensive coverage provides extra protection, breed inclusion, and peace of mind while helping you avoid out-of-pocket expenses.
At Jassim Law, we understand insurance can be confusing, so we are here to answer your questions and explain the benefits of dog bite insurance protection for homeowners and renters. With over 20 years of experience handling high-value, complicated injury matters and a commitment to keeping California communities safer, you can trust us to give you the information you need to make the best decisions for your future.
Why Should Homeowners and Renters Have Dog Bite Insurance Protection and Renters Insurance?
If you own a home or rent your living space, your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance may have liability coverage that includes dog bites. However, a dog attack can result in serious injuries and significant liabilities. These policies often exclude several breeds or have insufficient coverage for dog bite accident damages. Therefore, getting additional dog bite insurance protections provides the following benefits:
Extra Layer of Protection
California has strict liability for dog bites, meaning owners are responsible for injuries their dog causes, regardless of the dog’s history. With this law and most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance falling short of covering dog bite accidents, having additional protection in the form of dog bite insurance or an umbrella policy provides extra coverage for dog bite claims that occur on and off your property.
Comprehensive Liability Coverage
Dog bite injury can be serious and require costly treatment. With homeowners’ and renters’ insurance often having low bodily injury limits, additional protection provides more comprehensive coverage for the full scope of the injured individual’s damages.
Avoid Out-of-Pocket Costs
Homeowners’ and renters’ insurance often has limited liability coverage, which may leave you responsible for paying the rest of the cost yourself. With the comprehensive coverage dog bite insurance protection provides, you can avoid paying out-of-pocket costs for dog bite injuries and damages.
Breed Inclusion
While there is clear evidence that dog breeds or size do not indicate their aggressiveness or behavior, many homeowners and renters insurance exclude certain breeds due to a higher risk of aggression. Commonly excluded breeds include the following:
- Pitbulls
- German Shepherds
- Rottweilers
- Siberian Huskies
- Akitas
- Dobermans
- Great Danes
- Mastiffs
Exotic animals, such as birds, rabbits, and snakes, are often not covered under standard insurance policies, either. However, with dog bite insurance or an umbrella policy, you can protect yourself and your pet.
Peace of Mind
In addition to giving you sufficient and reliable protection, dog bite insurance or an umbrella policy gives you peace of mind when taking your dog on walks or when they are around people. The wise decision to get a policy tailored to your and your pet’s needs ensures you are covered during unexpected events, including dog bite accidents.
Understanding Dog Bite Liability
Having a strong knowledge of what laws and regulations impact your liability is essential, especially if you want to avoid unnecessary stress and headaches related to legal matters.
What is Dog Bite Liability?
Dog bite liability refers to the legal responsibility that dog owners have for injuries or damages caused by their dogs. In the United States, dog bite liability laws can vary significantly from state to state, but many states, including California, impose strict liability on dog owners. This means that if a dog bites someone, the dog’s owner is responsible for the resulting damages, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or biting.
In California, the dog bite statute (Cal. Civ. Code § 3342) clearly states that dog owners are liable for injuries their dogs cause. This strict liability applies if the bite occurs in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property. Essentially, the dog’s owner cannot escape liability by claiming they were unaware of their dog’s potential to bite. This law underscores the importance of having adequate insurance coverage to protect against potential financial liabilities arising from dog bite incidents.
State and Local Legislation
Dog bite laws are not uniform across the United States; they can vary widely depending on the state and even local jurisdictions. Understanding these variations is crucial for dog owners to ensure they are in compliance with local regulations and adequately protected.
For instance, some states follow a “one-bite rule,” which means a dog owner may not be held liable for the first bite if they had no reason to believe their dog was dangerous. In contrast, states like California impose strict liability, holding dog owners accountable regardless of the dog’s past behavior. Additionally, local ordinances may have specific requirements, such as leash laws, breed restrictions, or mandatory reporting of dog bites.
Being aware of and adhering to these laws can help dog owners avoid legal complications and ensure they have the necessary insurance coverage. Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney or local authorities can provide clarity on the specific regulations in your area and help you take appropriate measures to protect yourself and others.
What Damages Can I Recover from a Dog Bite?
If you are bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages from the dog’s owner. The specific damages you can claim depend on the state and the circumstances of the incident, but they generally include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of medical treatment required due to the dog bite, including hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and any necessary rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If the injury prevents you from working, you can claim compensation for the income you lost during your recovery period.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the dog bite. It accounts for the impact on your quality of life and any ongoing discomfort or trauma.
- Emotional Distress: Dog bites can lead to significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You can seek damages for these psychological impacts.
- Property Damage: If the dog bite incident resulted in damage to your personal property, such as clothing or other belongings, you can recover the cost of repairs or replacements.
In California, victims of dog bites can pursue compensation for all these damages. It’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a dog bite to document the extent of your injuries and support your claim for damages. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Seek Guidance from an Experienced California Dog Bite Claims Lawyer at Jassim Law Today
If you own a pet, it is crucial to understand your insurance policy regarding dog bites, as insurance companies handling homeowners’ and renters’ insurance may not cover your dog’s breed or have adequate coverage in the event of an accident. At Jassim Law, our knowledgeable lawyers are here to help you better understand your legal rights, so you can protect yourself and your pet and avoid paying out-of-pocket to cover injuries. Just read our countless client reviews. With our proven track record and decades of experience, you can feel confident and supported when working with us during your dog bite injury claim.
Attorney Pajman Jassim has practiced law for over 17 years, earning a top 10.00 Avvo rating due to his dedication to clients and keeping California communities safe. To learn more about dog bite insurance in California, call us at (619) 630-2680 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.