Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites in Cincinnati, OH? In many cases, the answer is yes. If a dog injures you or your child, the dog’s owner might have insurance to help with your medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs up to the policy’s liability limits. These limits usually range from $100,000 to $300,000 and are sufficient for most dog bite injuries. That said, coverage does vary, depending on the policy’s specifications, the insurance company, and where exactly the injuries occurred.
Unfortunately, many insurance companies wrongly try to lower payouts or deny claims. Call Young, Reverman & Bolotin at 513-400-0000 so you can focus on recovering while we maximize compensation.
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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bite Injuries in Ohio?
Dog bite claims and homeowners insurance can get complex. The good news is that homeowners insurance does cover many dog bite injuries in Ohio. A typical policy contains a liability portion applying to injuries the homeowner’s pets cause.
However, some insurance companies do not cover certain dog breeds. Homeowners may have chosen to purchase what is called dangerous dog insurance if they own a breed not covered by their standard homeowners policy.
Policy exclusions may apply in some dog bite injuries. For example, some policies cover only bites that occurred on the property, not in public places or at someone else’s house. In other words, insurance may or may not apply if a dog bit you while you were out on your daily walk.
Also, a dog with a history of biting or aggression might not be covered for future incidents after a first covered occurrence. If the dog’s owner did not give the insurance company accurate details about the pet, the insurer may deny claims or cancel the policy due to the misrepresentation. Compensation may still be possible through the owner’s assets or a lawsuit.
Understanding the Scope of Homeowners Insurance for Dog Bites
Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites off property? Specific policy language governs if insurance covers a dog bite or injury occurring at a public park, other public place, and other sites off the homeowner’s property. However, dog owners may have dog liability insurance that fills this gap.
If the homeowner is a landlord renting out the property, then the landlord’s insurance might not apply to bites committed by the tenant’s dog. This leads to another consideration:
Does renters insurance cover dog bites? Many times, it does, but similar breed exclusions and coverage limitations may apply to renters insurance like they do to homeowners insurance.
Ohio follows strict liability for dog bites and dog injuries. Strict liability principles generally hold dog owners responsible for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of the dog’s history of aggression. People bitten by dogs in Ohio do not have to prove that the dog’s owner was negligent in order to get compensation. Even if the dog was leashed or properly restrained and never bit anyone previously, homeowners insurance may still cover the bite.
The state’s dog bite laws do contain a few exceptions in which homeowners might not be responsible. Notably, a homeowner might not be responsible if the bite victim was trespassing on the homeowner’s property, provoking the dog, or committing a crime when the bite occurred.
How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You Pursue Compensation in Cincinnati
The Ohio Department of Health notes that dog bites are responsible for 75% of reported bites to people in Ohio. The health department also notes that dog bites can transmit rabies, damage tissues, and cause bacterial infections. Immunocompromised people are at higher risk.
A dog bite lawyer may be able to help in the aftermath of an injury, whether a homeowners policy covers bites. If coverage applies, the lawyer can handle insurance negotiations to make sure you receive maximum compensation.
You may be eligible for more types of compensation in Cincinnati than you realized, perhaps including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An Ohio dog bite lawyer might prove damages in these areas.
- Medical expenses: You may need emergency medical treatment, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing or future medical care related to the dog bite.
- Lost wages: The injuries may render you unable to work temporarily or permanently.
- Pain and suffering: Dog attacks often cause emotional distress and trauma, and in some cases, even a diminished quality of life. For example, a victim may develop permanent scarring, disfigurement, nerve damage, anxiety, or PTSD. Any of these can easily affect a person’s daily life and relationships. The repercussions for child victims can be especially intense.
- Punitive damages: These are relatively rare, but may be possible when dog owners act recklessly or negligently. Owners may have known their dogs were dangerous and did not take certain safety measures.
In addition, dog bites are just one type of personal injury accident related to pets. Dogs can cause injuries in many ways, including scratches and lacerations. When a dog claws someone, serious injuries and infections may result. Likewise, a dog can knock someone down, causing head injuries and broken bones. A dog bite lawyer can handle these types of cases, too.
If the homeowners insurance policy fails to cover a dog bite or dog injury due to breed restrictions, exclusions, or other reasons, a lawyer can explore options. They may include a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner or compensation through dangerous dog insurance, dog liability insurance, or renters insurance. These avenues also may be necessary if insurance applies, but the damages exceed policy limits.
In some cases, the insurance company may downright deny claims, hoping that victims give up on pursuing compensation. A personal injury lawyer can prove your case and fight for the compensation you need to recover your losses.
Dog bites are serious. Contact us at Young, Reverman & Bolotin today to discuss your injuries.
