Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites?

Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, understanding your rights and the role homeowners insurance plays in compensation can help you take the right steps to recover financially and emotionally.

Our Murfreesboro dog bite lawyers put together this guide on what you need to know about homeowners insurance and dog bites, tailored to help you as an injured victim. Keep reading to learn your rights and options, then call (615) 220-4180 to schedule your free consultation.

How does homeowners insurance cover dog bites?

Homeowners insurance often provides financial protection for injuries caused by a homeowner’s dog. If a dog has bitten you, the dog owner’s insurance policy may include:

• Personal liability coverage: This covers the costs associated with your injuries, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It also covers the homeowner’s legal fees if you file a lawsuit.
• Medical payments coverage: This pays for immediate medical expenses related to your injuries, regardless of fault, up to a certain limit.

However, homeowners insurance coverage may have conditions, limitations, or exclusions. For example, some policies may exclude certain breeds deemed “high-risk” or dogs with a history of biting.

Steps to take after a dog bite

If a dog has bitten you, acting quickly is crucial for your health and legal claim. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek medical attention: Dog bites can lead to infections such as rabies or tetanus. Immediate medical care ensures proper treatment and documentation of your injuries.
2. Report the incident: Notify local animal control or law enforcement about the bite. This helps create an official record and may reveal the dog’s vaccination status.
3. Document everything: Take photos of your injuries, the scene of the incident, and any visible hazards. Collect the dog owner’s contact information and details about their homeowners insurance.
4. Consult an attorney: A personal injury lawyer can help determine your legal options and navigate the claims process to ensure you receive fair compensation.

How liability is determined

In Tennessee, dog owners are held to a high standard of responsibility. Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-413 outlines the state’s “strict liability” rule, meaning that a dog owner can be held responsible for injuries caused by their dog, even if they were unaware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.

However, there is an exception for bites on the dog owner’s property. In these cases, the homeowner is liable only if they knew or should have known the dog was dangerous.

Challenges with homeowners insurance claims

While homeowners insurance often provides coverage for dog bites, navigating the claims process can be challenging:

• Exclusions for certain breeds: Some policies exclude coverage for high-risk breeds, such as pit bulls or German shepherds.
• Limits on payouts: Insurance policies may have caps on the amount they will pay for dog bite claims, which could impact your total compensation.
• Disputes over liability: Insurance adjusters may argue that the dog owner is not responsible or attempt to undervalue your claim.

An experienced attorney can help address these challenges and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers: Fighting for dog bite victims in Nashville

At Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog bite can take. Our experienced team is committed to helping victims in Tennessee recover the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, don’t face the claims process alone. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you secure justice.