Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

Medical bills, missed work, and lingering pain are possible when a person is bitten by a dog. Often a traumatic experience, dog bites can impact an individual’s physical strength, emotional stability, and financial health. Because of the strain that can follow a bite, it’s important to know who will pay for injury damages if you or a loved one has been injured by a dog in someone’s Georgia home.

The good news is that in many cases homeowners insurance provides coverage for dog bite injury expenses. When you meet with an Atlanta dog bite lawyer, they can help you understand your options and fight for the financial relief you deserve.

Homeowners Insurance Coverage, Exceptions, and Limitations

Most standard homeowners insurance policies include personal liability coverage that extends to dog bites. This means that if a dog injures someone and the dog’s owner is legally liable, the insurance company may step in to cover medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and legal fees.

Coverage typically applies whether the bite happens inside the home, in the yard, or even off the property, as long as the dog belongs to the homeowner and the bite was unprovoked. Yet while homeowners insurance can offer a valuable financial lifeline, there are important limitations to keep in mind:

• Breed restrictions. Some policies exclude coverage for specific breeds perceived as aggressive (such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, or Dobermans). Exclusions vary by insurer and must be reviewed case by case.
• Policy limits. Most homeowners policies have liability limits, often starting at $100,000. In cases involving severe injuries or permanent scarring, this amount may not fully cover all damages.
• Previous bites. If the dog has a known history of aggression or has bitten someone before, the insurance company may deny coverage, especially if the policyholder failed to disclose the dog’s behavior.

Georgia law allows victims of dog bites to recover compensation, especially if the victim is able to show that the dog’s owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. Additionally, if a dog was off-leash in violation of local ordinances, or if the owner failed to properly restrain an animal, it can establish liability as well.

Speak with an Atlanta Dog Injury Lawyer

One of the first steps a harmed individual can take is to ask the dog owner if they have homeowners insurance and request their policy details. Then, a path forward can be paved.

Dealing with insurance companies after a dog bite can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover. Securing legal support is a way to strengthen your position when it comes to injury expense compensation. Atlanta dog bite lawyers are familiar with how to help dog bite victims navigate the legal process and pursue full compensation through insurance policies and, if needed, direct legal action.

Are you hoping to access funds to pay off bills you’ve gathered due to a dog injury? Share the details of your situation with the attorneys at Zagoria Law, seasoned professionals are available to fortify your financial future. Contact us today.