Liability Insurance for Renters
Commonly, in a dog bite injury matter, the homeowner’s insurance policy will pay for damages associated with a dog bite – if the dog is owned by the homeowner. However, many people rent their homes, and it becomes more difficult to assign liability to the property owner in that circumstance. Often the renter will not have enough personal assets to pay for the injured person’s damages out of pocket. If the renter has purchased a renters insurance policy to cover their possession in the event of theft or fire, that policy should also pay for damages if the renter’s dog bites a visitor.
Typically, renters insurance will cover dog bite injuries under the policy’s liability coverage. It is important to review the policy, however, some insurance companies have exclusions for specific dog breeds.
United States Dog Bite Statistics
Statistics compiled by the Insurance Information Institute (III) reveal that 67% of households in the United States include a pet, and of those pets, approximately 63% are dogs. Unfortunately, there are also a high number of dog bite incidents in the United States every year.
According to studies done by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and more than 800,000, or one in five, of those dog attack victims need medical attention. The III has calculated the average cost per dog bite claim to be over $44,000. At least half of yearly dog attack victims are young children, and children are more likely than older bite victims to suffer serious injuries.
Dog Bite Liability Law
In California, if your dog injures someone, you are financially responsible under the state’s strict liability statute. The damages associated with dog bite incidents may include medical bills (already incurred, and those projected to be necessary in the future), lost income, and pain and suffering. Often, dog attack victims suffer from PTSD, which may mean that a separate Emotional Distress cause of action will be added to any lawsuit filed as a result of the dog attack.
Should I Get Renters Insurance?
The answer is yes – especially if you have a dog. Under the law, a dog is the property of its owner. Being a responsible pet owner means you ensure that your dog is securely restrained at all times and is not left free to roam the neighborhood. It also means keeping your pet on a leash, and ensuring that the animal is well socialized if you invite visitors into your home. Lastly, it means that you purchase adequate personal liability coverage to cover the damages for any unpredictable dog bite incident.
If you rent your living space, talk with your insurance agent to ensure that your renters’ insurance policy will offer coverage in the event that your dog bites someone. Be sure that there are no exclusions for your particular dog’s breed.
Watch the YouTube video. Financial expert Dave Ramsey discusses the necessity of renters insurance.
Experienced Sacramento Dog Bite Lawyers
Hello, and thanks for reading our discussion of renters insurance in the context of dog bite events. I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento dog bite lawyer. As discussed above, a dog’s owner is strictly liable for damages if their dog bites someone. Animal attacks can cause serious, often permanent, injuries. It is important to consult with an experienced injury lawyer if you have been the victim of a dog attack. Please do not hesitate to call our office for compassionate, free, and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400. If you are not within the local region, use our toll-free line: (800) 404-5400. We also have an online contact link.
To learn more about our firm, including past case results and what former clients say about our legal services, visit the links below:
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/money-home-coin-investment-2724248/
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