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Every year, millions of Americans suffer from dog bites and other dog-related injuries, with children making up the majority of victims. In 2023 alone, there were a staggering number of dog bite claims, more than 19,000 across the U.S., totaling over $1.1 billion in liability costs, according to the Insurance Information Institute. With medical bills and legal disputes often following a bite or attack, many victims (and dog owners) ask the same question: Does homeowners’ insurance cover dog bite injuries?
The answer depends on several factors, including the type of insurance coverage in place, the dog’s history, and state-specific laws. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog (or any other domesticated animal), consulting with an experienced Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your right to compensation.
Homeowners insurance generally provides personal liability coverage, which protects homeowners if someone is injured on or off their property due to negligence, including injuries caused by a dog. In fact, dog bites are one of the most common types of liability claims filed against homeowners (and rental) insurance policies.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, roughly 90 million dogs live in U.S. households, and more than 4.5 million people are bitten each year. The average cost per claim in 2023 was more than $58,000, driven by increasing medical costs and legal awards.
Standard homeowners policies usually provide coverage for dog bites and other dog-related injuries, but the specifics vary depending on the insurance company and policy language. Some homeowner insurance companies may require liability waivers, while others impose restrictions based on dog breed or prior behavior.
Renters are not left out either: many renters insurance policies include similar liability protections for dog-related incidents.
Two main components of a homeowners insurance policy can apply to a dog bite injury– liability and medical payments coverage. Insurance may cover dog bites that happen off the property, such as at a park, but only if the policy allows for it.
This portion of homeowners or renters insurance policy can pay for damages associated with a dog bite or dog attack claim, which can include the following components:
This coverage varies depending on the specific policy, but most often ranges from $100,000 to $300,000. Unfortunately, in more serious cases, especially those involving children, facial injuries, or multiple surgeries, that limit can be quickly exceeded. If the claim surpasses the policy’s cap, the dog owner becomes personally responsible for the remaining amount, which may be considerable, though in most cases it may not make sense to pursue a claim directly against the dog owner unless they are known to have substantial assets.
Based on the possibility of a large damage claim, many homeowners add umbrella insurance to their policy. This supplemental coverage can provide an additional $1 million or more in protection, safeguarding personal assets if a substantial claim is made or if a large judgment is awarded against the dog owner. An experienced Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer can help you investigate and target any applicable insurance coverages that might be available to compensate you if you have been the victim of a dog bite or dog attack.
Also known as “med pay”, this coverage helps pay for a relatively small amount of medical bills following a dog bite, regardless of who was at fault. For instance, if your dog accidentally knocks someone down and they require stitches, medical payments coverage might cover those costs without needing to prove negligence. Med pay coverage limits usually range from $1,000 to $5,000, but can be more in some cases. Likewise, some insurance policies might not include any med pay coverage.
Of course, med pay is not a substitute for personal liability insurance. While it may help avoid litigation in small incidents, it is not adequate for serious injuries that require surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care.
Whether or not homeowners insurance covers dog bite injuries depends on policy terms, but the following situational factors often play a role.
Some insurance policies impose breed restrictions, excluding dogs perceived as high-risk, such as pit bulls, rottweilers, and Dobermans. In Pennsylvania, insurance carriers can refuse to issue a new insurance policy based on the breed of a dog, but they cannot refuse to cover a claim or cancel the policy based on dog breed, providing fair treatment for policyholders and encouraging case-by-case evaluation.
Still, even in Pennsylvania, insurers can take action based on an individual dog’s behavior. If your dog has a bite history or has been labeled as dangerous, the insurer may charge higher premiums, exclude the dog from coverage, or refuse to renew the policy.
A dog with a bite history or prior aggressive behavior can result in higher premiums, exclusions, or dropped coverage. According to the “one bite” rule, which is modified by Pennsylvania law, prior incidents can affect liability but are not always necessary to establish fault.
The following factors are considered in determining whether a dog owner was negligent and/or whether a homeowners claim is valid:
Pennsylvania law imposes strict liability for medical bills caused by dog bites, even if the owner was not negligent. However, to recover damages like lost wages or pain and suffering, the victim must prove the dog owner failed to act with reasonable care, such as by allowing the dog to roam freely (off leash) or failing to act after a prior warning or bite or known aggressive behavior.
Also, if the victim provoked the dog or was injured while trespassing, that can reduce or eliminate the insurance payout. Courts and insurance carriers will consider whether the dog was teased, injured, or frightened prior to the attack.
Understanding your rights and knowing how and when to file an insurance claim after a dog bite or dog attack can be stressful and confusing. These claims are very dependent on the specific facts and circumstances of the dog attack and on the applicable insurance policy coverages. Even when insurance coverage exists, insurance companies may try to limit their payout or deny the claim altogether, and some claims might not be covered under a particular insurance policy. That’s why working with an experienced Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer is the best thing you can do to preserve your rights and safeguard your personal health, well-being, and financial future.
A skilled attorney can evaluate your case, gather evidence, investigate insurance coverage, and handle all communication with insurance carriers to protect your rights. At Solnick Lawyers, we understand the impact a dog bite can have, physically, emotionally, and financially. Our team is dedicated to helping you recover the full compensation you’re entitled to under Pennsylvania law.
Dog bite injuries can have serious, lasting effects. While homeowners insurance may provide coverage, securing fair compensation can be complicated and will almost always require legal support. Contact our experienced Pennsylvania dog bite lawyers today for a free consultation. Put Solnick Lawyers on your side!
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