Dogs provide us with companionship, protection, and entertainment. In fact, most dog owners consider these loyal pets to be members of the family. Unfortunately, however, dogs—no matter how well behaved—are still animals that rely on their instincts. And sometimes these instincts result in bites. Often, dog bites create serious damage to victims, resulting in long recovery periods, mental and physical pain, and expensive medical bills. In this article, we discuss the role of insurance in dog bite claims.
Homeowners and Renters Insurance
Following a dog bite, the owner’s renters or homeowners insurance is often the first source of compensation for the victim. Most insurance policies cover injuries caused by dogs, including bites, scratches, and other types of damage. This type of coverage provides protection to both the dog owner and the dog bite victim, offering a mechanism to address medical costs and other financial losses without needing to sue immediately.
Renters insurance is similar to homeowners insurance in that it provides liability coverage to a tenant when his or her dog attacks someone. In both types of cases, the victim of the dog bite can file a claim with the insurance company to recover damages through the dog owner’s policy.
Insurance Coverage in Dog Bite Cases
As discussed below, insurance policies that cover dog attacks compensate victims for a variety of damages.
Medical Bills: Medical bills are often the primary expense incurred by dog bite victims. Common medical expenses include costs for emergency room visits, ambulance fees, surgery, and physical therapy.
Lost Income: Dog bite victims are often forced to miss work as a result of their injuries. Fortunately, insurance policies often cover lost wages during recovery. In addition, they sometimes compensate victims for reduced future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: Dog bite victims may also be eligible for compensation for physical pain, emotional damage, and the disruption of daily life activities.
Property Damage: Finally, if a victim’s property is damaged during a dog attack, this may be covered by the owner’s insurance policy.
Additional Compensation Sources
If a dog bite is severe, the damages caused by the attack may exceed the limits of the owner’s insurance policy. In this type of situation, the victim may need to explore additional options to obtain full compensation. One option is to sue the dog owner directly for compensation. If the owner has significant assets, then a civil claim can result in a judgment covering the victim’s remaining damages.
An additional source of compensation in a dog bite case is through umbrella insurance policies. Homeowners sometimes carry these policies in addition to their standard homeowners or renters insurance. This additional insurance provides extra liability coverage when the insured party’s primary policy reaches its limits.
Contact a New York Dog Bite Attorney
If you have been bitten by a dog in New York City, you need a knowledgeable and experienced dog bite attorney in your corner. At Bornstein & Emanuel, P.C., we understand the ways that dog bites affect our clients. Therefore, when you come to us for help with your dog bite case, we will work hard to obtain compensation on your behalf. Please contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced New York City dog bite attorney.
