How much can a dog bite cost me?

Depending upon the amount of the damages and the severity of the injuries sustained, it could cost tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Dog bite claims make up approximately one third of all liability claims against home owners insurance policies. More than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Nearly 25% of those bitten require medical attention. Medical costs can range from a trip to the emergency room at a cost of $500.00 to multiple surgeries and medical procedures totaling in excess of a hundred thousand dollars or more or even death. Some policies of insurance do not cover certain breeds of dogs for dog bites or personal injuries as a result of the dog. Most policies have provisions that may demand a higher premium if you choose to cover a high risk dog or after your dog bites someone for the first time. Some other insurance policies may drop your dog from coverage if there is an attack or bite.

Dog owners can get into trouble if homeowners insurance will not cover an attack or bite, the dog owner chooses to keep the animal and does not get any additional insurance and that same dog attacks someone else. If for one reason or another, your homeowners insurance declines coverage, or you are self insured, you will be responsible for your dogs actions. In this case, a skilled lawyer will likely get a judgment against you as the owner/or responsible party for the damage that your dog caused.

For more information on dogbite claims, please visit our website.