Many dog bite victims don’t realize that compensation for their injuries can often be obtained through the dog owner’s homeowner or renter’s insurance policy. These policies often provide coverage for incidents like dog bites, enabling victims to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, some policies may have exclusions or limits that can affect the outcome of your claim.
We specialize in helping dog bite victims pursue insurance claims through the dog owner’s policy, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve without financial strain. Let us help you navigate the insurance process and secure your rightful compensation.
What Does Homeowner or Renter’s Insurance Cover in Dog Bite Cases?
Understanding Insurance Coverage for Dog Bite Claims
If you’ve been injured by someone else’s dog, the dog owner’s homeowner or renter’s insurance policy typically covers damages such as:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and ongoing medical treatment related to the injury.
- Lost Wages: If you’ve missed work due to your injuries, insurance may cover lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Some policies may include compensation for emotional trauma, pain, and suffering resulting from the dog bite.
- Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Insurance may cover physical therapy or psychological counseling after the attack.
While many homeowner or renter’s insurance policies cover dog bite injuries, some policies may exclude coverage for certain breeds considered high-risk, such as pit bulls or Rottweilers, or dogs with a documented history of aggression. Breed exclusions are common in New Mexico, and the details of the policy should be carefully reviewed to confirm coverage.
How Do Insurance Claims for Dog Bites Work?
Filing a Dog Bite Insurance Claim Through the Dog Owner’s Policy
In New Mexico, dog owners can be held liable for dog bite injuries if they were negligent in controlling or restraining their dog. The owner’s liability depends on whether they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the bite, such as complying with leash laws or restraining the dog properly.
In New Mexico, dog owners can be held responsible for injuries if they were negligent in preventing the dog bite. You may still have a claim if the bite occurred in a public space or when you were lawfully on private property, but you must prove that the owner did not take reasonable steps to prevent the attack.
Common Challenges in Insurance Claims
Overcoming Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies may try to deny or minimize your claim, but we’re here to protect your rights. Common challenges you may face include:
- Claim Denials: The insurance company may argue that the dog owner is not liable for the bite or that the policy does not cover such incidents. We will challenge these denials and prove the dog owner’s responsibility. Even if the insurance policy excludes coverage for the incident, the dog owner may still be held liable under New Mexico’s strict liability laws. In such cases, pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner directly may be necessary.
- Lowball Settlement Offers: Insurance companies often attempt to settle claims for less than their true value. Our team will fight for a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries and losses.
- Exclusions in Coverage: In New Mexico, some insurance policies may exclude coverage for specific dog breeds or for dogs that have a known history of aggressive behavior. Additionally, certain policies may not cover dog bites at all. It is essential to review the policy details to understand any applicable exclusions and seek alternative legal options if necessary.
- Delays in Payment: Insurance companies may delay processing your claim in hopes that you’ll settle for less. We will push for timely payment to cover your expenses as quickly as possible.
By having a knowledgeable legal team on your side, you can overcome these challenges and secure the compensation you deserve.
How We Can Help You Navigate Insurance Claims
Our Legal Team Will Guide You Through the Process
We have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies in dog bite cases. We’ll handle every step of the process, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation available. Here’s how we can help:
- Identify the Right Insurance Policy: We’ll investigate the dog owner’s homeowner or renter’s insurance policy to confirm coverage for your injuries.
- Handle All Negotiations: From initial filing to settlement negotiations, we’ll deal directly with the insurance company so you can focus on your recovery.
- Calculate Full Damages: We will carefully assess your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs to ensure you receive full compensation.
- Fight for Your Rights in Court: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the justice you deserve.
You don’t have to navigate the insurance process alone. Our team will stand by your side, protecting your interests and advocating for your rights.
Signs You May Be Entitled to Insurance Coverage
How to Know if the Dog Owner’s Insurance Policy Covers Your Injuries
- The Dog Owner Has Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance: If the dog owner has homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, their policy likely includes liability coverage for dog bites.
- The Attack Occurred on the Dog Owner’s Property: If you were bitten by the dog on the owner’s property or in a location where the dog was under their control, the owner’s insurance may cover the damages.
- The Dog Owner Was Negligent: The insurance policy may cover the incident if the dog owner was negligent in controlling or restraining their dog, but New Mexico’s strict liability rule often applies even without evidence of negligence.
- There Are No Policy Exclusions for Dog Breeds: Some insurance policies exclude coverage for certain breeds considered high risk for aggressive behavior. We will help you review the policy details and determine if any exclusions apply.
If any of these factors apply to your case, you may be entitled to file an insurance claim for your dog bite injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About Homeowner and Renter’s Insurance Claims for Dog Bites
What if the dog owner doesn’t have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance?
If the dog owner doesn’t have insurance, we can explore other avenues to recover compensation, such as pursuing a personal injury lawsuit directly against the dog owner.
Will my medical bills be covered by the dog owner’s insurance?
Homeowner and renter’s insurance policies often cover medical expenses related to dog bites, including emergency care, surgeries, and follow-up treatments. However, coverage may vary based on the terms of the policy, and it is important to confirm whether dog bites are included in the policy.
How long does it take to receive compensation from an insurance claim?
The timeline for receiving compensation varies depending on the complexity of the case, the responsiveness of the insurance company, and whether litigation is necessary. Some claims settle within months, while others may take longer if they go to court.