While it is most common that dogs are friendly to strangers, friends, and acquaintances, sometimes an encounter can turn into a traumatic event. Dogs are known to bite in certain circumstances and can cause substantial injuries. When this occurs, you may be able to recover compensation for the injuries and other losses you sustained from the dog owner’s insurance policy.
At Feller & Wendt, we understand how devastating a dog bite injury can be. You may have costly medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional damage following the accident. We believe in working tirelessly to obtain the compensation our clients deserve and providing award-winning representation they can trust.
Will Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Your Dog Bite Injury?
If you have sustained a dog bite, you may be able to recover compensation through homeowner’s insurance. In cases where you are covered, the policy may limit how much of the damages are covered.
There are also some exceptions to what a homeowner’s policy will cover. These exceptions may include:
Breed Exclusions
There are some breed exclusions dependent on the homeowner’s policy. Breeds with aggressive reputations like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and wolf hybrids may not be covered under certain policies. If the breed is excluded from a homeowner’s insurance policy, the dog owner is responsible for paying for damages out-of-pocket.
Multiple Dog Bite Offenses
If a dog has committed multiple attacks, some homeowner’s insurance policies have exclusions regarding the amount of incidents they are willing to cover. This means that any first-time dog bite offense may be covered by the policy, but any following attack will not be covered by the homeowner’s policy.
Comparative Fault in Utah
Utah is a comparative fault state. This means that liability can be shared between parties and may reduce compensatory damages to the victim based on the percentage of fault they share. If a victim is more than 50% responsible for their injuries, they may be disqualified for recovering any compensation from the dog owner’s insurance policy. However, in Utah, liability is automatically appointed to the dog owner.
Dog Bite Incident Occurred Outside of the Home
Depending on the type of homeowner’s insurance, it is possible that the policy would not cover or would reduce coverage for any dog bites incurred away from the insured property. This could lead to less damages awarded to the victim from the homeowner’s insurance policy.
Damages Recoverable in a Dog Bite Attack
The damages you may be awarded due to a dog bite attack are dependent on the incident and severity of your injuries. Speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer for an assessment of your case to get a clear idea of the compensation you may be entitled to.
The following are possible recoverable damages:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Lost future income
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
Speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer for a comprehensive evaluation of your unique case. Working with a dog bite lawyer can help you conduct a critical investigation into your accident, obtain any necessary evidence needed to prove liability, and build a solid case in order to receive the justice you deserve.
Speak With a Seasoned Dog Bite Lawyer at Feller & Wendt
A dog bite can be traumatic and take a great toll on a victim. By working with an experienced dog bite lawyer, you will have knowledgeable legal guidance at every step of the claims process and the resources needed to build a solid case. We fight for the fair compensation and justice you deserve
At Feller & Wendt, we offer trusted legal representation to clients affected by another person’s negligence. A dog owner should take responsibility for the damages incurred because of their dog’s violent behavior. For a complimentary consultation, call (801) 499-5060 or fill out our contact form.
