Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
While owning a dog is wonderful and provides much joy and companionship, there is a risk that any dog could bite someone – even the most mild-mannered and quiet dogs could bite out of fear. So, does homeowners insurance cover dog bites? It depends.
Typical Policies Covering Dog Bite Accidents
Your homeowners policy usually covers dog bite incidents, but as with any document, you should go over it carefully to see if there are any conditions or exclusions. For example, some insurance companies will not provide coverage for certain breeds that are considered a high risk for bites, such as Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, German Shepards and Akitas. If you own one of these breeds, be sure to carefully check your state and local regulations to see if there are any restrictions you may face.
If you rent your house, renters insurance usually covers medical costs if your dog bites someone, but once again, certain breeds may not be eligible for coverage, so you may have to find specialized pet insurance.
There are liability limits, usually $1000,000 to $300,000, so be familiar with what those limits are if you are ever involved in a dog bite accident caused by your pet.
It’s expensive to treat dog bites. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average nation-wide claim cost in 2019 was $44,760.
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What Type Of Medical Treatment Should Be Done For Dog Bites?
There’s always a chance that a dog bite could get infected. The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) has both prevention and treatment tips for dog bites. Click on the “Healthy People” tab.
What Are The South Carolina Laws Regarding Dog Bites?
The South Carolina Code of Laws Title 47 Chapter 3 Article 2 Section 47-3-110 is very clear about the owner’s liability if her dog bites another person. Basically, you as the dog owner, will be liable.
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What Should I Do If I’m Bitten By Someone’s Dog?
If you were bitten by someone’s dog, first seek appropriate medical help. A very serious dog bite could cause a long-term injury that impacts your ability to work and quality of life. Next, contact the Anastopoulo Law Firm to see if you are entitled to compensation. Expensive medical bills, time-consuming physical therapy and a loss of income as a result of a dog bite could occur, so we want to make sure you recover as quickly as possible with no ill effects. Call us at 800-777-777 if you or one of your loved ones has been bitten by a dog.
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