Dogs can help people stay healthy. They encourage an active lifestyle because they require regular walks. They can even improve people’s mental health, especially if an adult lives alone. The affection and engagement they provide can help people heal from trauma and cope with loneliness after a divorce or the loss of a loved one.
Unfortunately, dogs can also cause significant harm, especially if they become aggressive toward humans. Dog bite incidents affect thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds every year. Companion animals attack delivery professionals, people visiting their owners and even those using public spaces, such as a local park. People injured in dog bite attacks may have significant medical expenses. They may also have lost wages that accrue while they undergo treatment or provide support for an injured child.
Can those affected by a dog bite attack rely on a dog owner’s insurance to cover their losses?
Insurance may cover dog bite losses
Homeowners insurance is relatively common. Those with mortgages typically have an obligation to carry insurance to protect their lenders. Those who make cash purchases or pay off their mortgages retain coverage to protect the property from damage and limit their liability.
Renters may also have insurance policies that protect them from premises liability. Both homeowners insurance and renters insurance can theoretically help pay for dog bite injury expenses. Under Delaware state statutes, dog owners are subject to strict liability rules. Dog bite victims do not need to prove that the animal had a history of aggression or bit someone else previously to hold the owner accountable. Still, there could be challenges as they seek compensation.
The policy limits on the liability coverage that the dog owner carries may limit the compensation provided for medical expenses, property damage losses and lost wages. In rare cases, there could be challenges securing compensation through insurance if the owner didn’t inform the company about the dog. Misrepresenting the dog’s breed could also affect liability coverage in some cases.
Dog bite victims sometimes need support as they communicate with insurance companies or attempt to explore their options, such as a personal injury lawsuit. Securing guidance regarding insurance, claims negotiations and litigation can help dog bite victims recover as much as possible after an animal becomes aggressive, and causes harm as a result.