If you’ve recently suffered a dog bite while visiting someone who rents their home, you might wonder about your options for compensation. Dog bites represent one of the most common and costly personal injury incidents, affecting thousands of people annually. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average cost of a dog bite claim reached $58,545 in 2023, which may include the expense of medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In many cases, these costs are borne by the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy.
Understanding Renters Insurance and Pet Liability
When someone rents their home, their renters insurance typically provides two main types of coverage: protection for personal belongings and liability coverage for accidents that occur in their home. This liability coverage usually extends to their pets.
Pet liability coverage generally falls into two main categories:
- Bodily injury liability – Covers injuries their pet causes to others, which would include dog bites to visitors like you
- Property damage liability – Covers damage their pet causes to someone else’s property, such as if their dog destroys your personal items during the same incident
If you’ve suffered a bite injury, the dog owner’s liability coverage might be your primary source of compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Does Renters Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
Most renters’ insurance policies cover dog bites through the personal liability portion of the policy. Standard coverage limits typically range from $100,000 to $300,000, though these limits vary by policy and insurer.
This coverage becomes particularly important, considering that approximately 3.9 million people are bit in an average year, with 850,000 seeking medical treatment as a result. The cost of dog bite claims has increased by 162 percent since 2003, primarily due to rising medical costs and higher settlement judgments.
However, as a victim, you should understand the following:
- Insurance doesn’t cover everyone – Renters insurance typically doesn’t cover dog bites to household members.
- Location matters – Some policies only cover incidents that occur within the rental property, while others provide coverage regardless of where the bite took place.
- The dog’s history affects coverage – Dogs with previous biting incidents may be excluded from coverage, which may limit your compensation options.
Coverage for Specific Dog Breeds
After a dog bite incident, the breed of dog involved might significantly impact your ability to recover damages through the owner’s renters insurance. Many insurance companies exclude certain dog breeds they consider high-risk, including:
- Pit bulls
- Rottweilers
- German shepherds
- Doberman pinschers
- Chow chows
- Akitas
- Mastiffs
- Great Danes
- American bulldogs
- Siberian Huskies
The dog owner’s insurance company might deny coverage if the dog belongs to an excluded breed. However, some insurance providers take a different approach. State Farm, for instance, doesn’t discriminate based on breed, focusing instead on individual dog behavior.
Filing a Claim for a Dog Bite Incident
Taking the following steps can protect your rights after a dog bite attack:
- Identify the dog owner and their insurance – Request their renters’ insurance information.
- Document the scene – Take photos of your injuries, the location, gather witness information, and keep all medical records and receipts.
- Report the incident – Contact local animal control and police to document the bite officially.
- Seek medical attention – Your health comes first, and medical documentation will strengthen your claim.
- Consider legal representation – An experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate the claims process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
The dog owner’s insurance company will investigate the claim but remember that they’re watching out for their own interests, not yours. Having your own advocate can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
Understanding Limitations and Liabilities
While renters insurance provides valuable protection for dog bite victims, certain limitations might affect your compensation. These include
- Policy limits – The insurance will only pay up to the maximum liability limit on the policy. Severe injuries might exceed these limits.
- Exclusions – Some policies contain specific exclusions that might affect coverage for your particular situation.
- Coverage territory – Some policies only cover incidents that occur on the rental property but not at dog parks or on walks.
In states like Georgia, renters insurance policies must include liability protections that cover injuries caused by the policyholder’s dog. These requirements vary by state and can affect your ability to recover damages.
Beyond Renters Insurance: Exploring Additional Options
If the dog owner’s renters insurance denies your claim or if the coverage is insufficient for your injuries, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you consider these alternatives:
- The dog owner’s personal assets – If insurance coverage is inadequate, the owner remains personally liable.
- Landlord liability – Property owners who know about a dangerous dog may share responsibility in some cases.
- Homeowners association – The HOA might bear some liability if the incident occurred in a common area.
- Umbrella insurance – The dog owner might have additional liability coverage beyond their renters’ insurance.
Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates
Dog bite incidents can take a tremendous physical and emotional toll on victims’ lives. The team at Ted A. Greve & Associates has the skills and knowledge to comprehensively address your injuries and their impact on your life. Our attorneys will discuss your situation and explore all options available to you. We work with insurance companies and other parties involved in your case to make sure your needs are handled quickly and appropriately. We aim to put you at ease right from the start while fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Moreover, we take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no legal fees unless we win. That way, there’s no financial barrier between you and high-quality legal representation.
Protect yourself and your future by calling for a free and confidential consultation. There is no obligation, so please contact us today to discuss your dog bite case and learn how we can help you recover in every area of your life.
