Understanding Your Homeowner's Policy After a Dog Attack

Important Information for Dog Owners in California

San Diego Personal Injury Attorneys - David P. Beeson & Associates

When a person is 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 or not 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 owners in California are unaware of the fine print within their homeowner's policies.

Know California Dog Ownership 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 — must carry personal liability coverage of at least $100,000 that covers potential dog bite injury or wrongful death damages.

What Your Insurance Company Doesn't Want You to Know...

Many insurance companies in California and throughout the nation have blacklisted certain breeds of dogs that have become more well-known as vicious breeds. Homeowners 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 people are unaware of. In reviewing the fine print, you may find 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.

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.