Most homeowner’s insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bites and attacks. That’s good news if you’ve been injured by someone’s pet. When a dog hurts someone on the owner’s property, or even off it in many situations, the homeowner’s liability coverage usually pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. You’ll typically find between $100,000 and $300,000 in liability coverage under standard policies. This covers medical treatment, rehabilitation costs, and compensation for permanent injuries like scarring or disfigurement. The policy also pays for legal defense if you file a lawsuit, but not all policies treat dog attacks the same way. Some insurers exclude certain breeds entirely. Others add riders with specific restrictions that can leave victims struggling to recover compensation.
Common Exclusions And Breed Restrictions
Insurance companies don’t cover all dogs equally. They frequently exclude coverage for breeds they consider high-risk. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and German Shepherds often make these lists, though which breeds get excluded varies by insurer. When a homeowner owns an excluded breed, several things can happen:
- The insurer may deny coverage entirely for any dog-related incidents
- The policy might include a canine exclusion clause that eliminates all dog bite coverage
- The homeowner could obtain a separate liability policy specifically for their pet
- Some insurers offer coverage but charge significantly higher premiums
A dog’s history matters too. If an animal has bitten someone before, many insurance companies won’t cover that dog going forward, even if the breed isn’t typically restricted.
What Happens When Coverage Gets Denied
Insurance companies deny dog bite claims more often than you’d think. When that happens, victims aren’t necessarily out of options. A Colorado Springs Dog Bite Lawyer can review the denial and figure out whether it’s actually valid under the policy terms. Sometimes insurers wrongly deny claims. They’ll misinterpret policy language or incorrectly identify a dog’s breed. Other times, they argue the dog owner knew about aggressive tendencies and didn’t disclose this information when purchasing the policy. You can also pursue compensation directly from the dog owner’s personal assets if insurance won’t cover the claim. This means filing a lawsuit and potentially placing liens on property or garnishing wages after you obtain a judgment. It’s not ideal, but it’s sometimes necessary.
Renter’s Insurance And Dog Attacks
Renter’s insurance works similarly to homeowner’s insurance for dog bite liability. Most policies include personal liability coverage that extends to pet-related incidents, typically ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. The same breed restrictions often apply. If you’re a renter with a dog, review your policy carefully. You might need to purchase additional liability coverage, particularly if you own a breed that commonly appears on exclusion lists.
Multiple Dogs And Coverage Considerations
Households with multiple dogs face unique insurance challenges. Some policies limit coverage when more than one dog is present, especially if the combined weight exceeds a certain threshold. When two or more dogs attack simultaneously, these limitations create serious problems for victims trying to recover damages. Colorado’s strict liability statute for dog bites applies regardless of how many animals were involved. Pet owners remain legally responsible even if their insurance policy contains limitations. That doesn’t help much if the policy won’t pay, though.
Third-Party Liability Situations
Dog attacks don’t always happen on the owner’s property, and that’s important to understand. When a dog bites someone at a park, on a walking trail, or in a neighbor’s yard, the homeowner’s liability coverage typically still applies. Most policies extend to incidents that occur anywhere, not just on the insured premises. This protection matters because Colorado law holds dog owners liable for attacks in public spaces and on others’ property. Ganderton Law, LLC regularly handles cases where dogs attack victims far from the owner’s home. Location doesn’t eliminate liability.
Steps To Take After An Attack
Document everything immediately. Take photos of your injuries. Get witness contact information. Obtain the dog owner’s insurance details. Request a copy of the dog’s vaccination records and any prior bite reports from animal control. Don’t skip medical treatment, even if the bite seems minor. Infections can develop quickly. Scarring might be permanent. Medical records create a paper trail that supports your claim and proves the extent of your injuries. You can’t go back and recreate this documentation later.
Getting Help With Your Claim
Insurance companies don’t always act in good faith when handling dog bite claims. They’ll downplay injuries, dispute liability, or offer settlements that don’t cover long-term medical needs. It happens constantly. A Colorado Springs Dog Bite Lawyer understands how to counter these tactics and push for full compensation. If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, getting legal guidance can make the difference between accepting an inadequate offer and receiving what you actually deserve.