Dog bite injuries can be quite painful. People may require medical care, including stitches and professional cleaning of their wounds to limit the risk of infection. Dog attacks can sometimes lead to broken bones and painful scar tissue. People may develop psychological trauma that requires counseling to address.
In some cases, dog bite incidents may lead to significant property damage. Clothing and personal electronic devices could end up damaged when a dog attacks a human. The total cost of a dog bite incident could easily add up to thousands of dollars or more. The people affected by the incident may want to recoup their losses. Who usually pays for the expenses generated by a dog bite incident?
Property insurance coverage may be available
Frequently, the owner of a dog that turns aggressive and bites a human is responsible for any harm the animal causes. Strict liability rules allow those injured by aggressive animals to hold their owners accountable.
Particularly when the victims of a dog bite incident know the animal’s owner, they may not want to cause financial complications for the dog’s owner. Thankfully, insurance can cover the cost generated by a dog bite attack. If the animal’s owner is also a homeowner, their homeowners insurance policy could cover the expenses generated by the incident. Rental insurance carried by those who do not own their homes may also include premises liability coverage.
However, there may be restrictions that apply. If the dog’s owner did not disclose their pet to the insurance company or if they lied about its breed, it may be more difficult for the victim of the dog bite incident to obtain appropriate compensation. In cases where the animal’s owner may not carry appropriate insurance or where losses are extensive, it might be necessary for the parties affected by a dog bite incident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Estimating total costs and exploring the details of a dog bite incident can help the affected party determine their best options for financial compensation. People who do not properly restrain or train their dogs are typically responsible for any harm that their pets cause other people.