Dog bite injuries can be relatively costly. People frequently require emergency medical care to clean and treat their wounds. They may have long-term medical costs and lost wages generated by the incident.
People attacked by dogs at another person’s home, a public park or a business may have major expenses related to their medical care. Is there insurance coverage that applies after a dog bite attack?
Premises liability coverage may be available
Frequently, dog bite attacks lead to insurance claims. Both individuals and businesses tend to carry insurance policies that provide them with premises liability coverage.
Homeowners and renters insurance can insure individual animal owners, even if attacks take place at parks or on public sidewalks. The premises liability coverage available through a business’s policy can apply in cases where an attack occurs at a shop that allows people to bring their pets.
Frequently, dog bite victims can rely on their personal health insurance coverage as they undergo emergency care. Their medical insurance providers may pay for their treatment and then subrogate the claim by pursuing compensation from a homeowners, renters or business insurance policy.
In cases where there isn’t coverage available or the policy owner did not disclose the presence of a dog at the insured property, a personal injury lawsuit might be necessary. Litigation is sometimes necessary even when there is insurance, as negotiations may not lead to proper compensation.
Retaining the support of a legal professional familiar with the challenges of dog bite claims can help injured people and concerned parents hold dog owners accountable. Support can be invaluable during both insurance negotiations and any litigation that may be necessary to secure appropriate compensation.