Understanding How Homeowner's Policy Affects Dog Attack Cases
California Dog Bite Attack Attorneys
San Diego Personal Injury Lawyers
Important Information for Dog Bite Attack Victims in California
If you or your child has been attacked by a dog, the owner of the dog may be civilly liable for any injuries or damages that result from the dog bite - regardless of whether the dog was known as vicious or potentially dangerous. In most cases, the dog's owner will have coverage under his or her homeowner's insurance policy for valid dog bite injury claims. However, many dog bite victims in California are unaware of the fine print within a homeowner's policy.
California Dog Owner Liability Laws
Under California law, dogs that have been declared by the court as vicious or potentially dangerous must be kept indoors or in a fenced yard that the dog cannot escape and children cannot trespass. If the dog is off the owner's property, the dog must be substantially restrained and under the control of a responsible adult.
Any person who owns a dog - regardless of vicious or dangerous propensity - should carry personal liability coverage of at least $100,000 that covers potential dog bite injury or wrongful death damages. If you or a family member was attacked by a dog, our attorney can discuss with you how such California dog owner liability laws affect your case.
Call now to speak directly to an attorney about your dog bite attack. Free phone consultation.
How Insurance Coverage Polices Could Affect Your Dog Bite Recovery
Dog bite victims need to be aware of how certain insurance policies may affect their recovery for damages. Many insurance companies in California and throughout the nation have blacklisted certain breeds of dogs that have become more well-known as vicious breeds. A homeowner with one of the blacklisted dog breeds may be denied homeowner's insurance coverage exclusively due to their ownership of one of these breeds:
- Pit bulls
- Rottweilers
- Chow chows
- Doberman pinschers
- German shepherds
- Siberian huskies
- American Staffordshire terriers
- Boxers
- Great Danes
- Presa Canarios
In addition, homeowner's insurance companies that do provide personal liability coverage may have exclusions that dog attack victims are unaware of. In reviewing the fine print, it may show that coverage excludes dog bite injuries, limits the number of times it will pay for dog attack injuries, limits liability coverage amounts strictly pertaining to dog bite injuries, or limits the people who may be covered under the policy for a dog bite injury. We can discuss with you the specifics of your case and your best options in seeking recovery.
If you have questions or would like to know how our personal injury lawyers can help, schedule a free initial consultation with a San Diego personal injury attorney at David P. Beeson & Associates. Call 619-618-2983 or 866-706-2015, or contact us online. Se habla español.
