Question

Dog bite related insurance question

Asked 15 June 2012 · 4 answers

The question

I was bitten by a dog, and now the owner wants me to submit my ER bill to my health insurance 1st before paying any of it, saying that he has no home owners or renters insurance even though he lives in an apartment complex that to my knowledge requires all dog owners to have renters. He says that if we go to court and I demand that he pays the bill in full then the judge will tell me that I have to submit it to my health insurance 1st. Is he right about this?

From the LawyerCentral forum archive. Originally posted 15 June 2012 on a legal forum that has closed. Names and contact details were removed. See the original (Internet Archive).

4 answers

Visitor answer 16 April 2013

Unless the dog owner is a lawyer, I wouldn't go by what he said. He may have given you some misinformation to avoid you taking him to court.

I'm not a lawyer, but speaking directly to your insurance company and/or a lawyer about this would be the smartest move for you. Dog bite and premises liability laws can get tricky. Also, each state has their own policies on how animal bites are handled. Contacting both your insurer and a lawyer could give you a clear answer.

This link might help clarify insurance requirements for dog owners: (removed)

This link discusses what dog owners must cover if their found liable for someone's dog bite injuries: (removed)

Visitor answer 19 April 2013

Consult a dog bite lawyer in your area. I am sure things will work out well.

Seigman, Starritt-Burnett & Sinkfield, PLLC

Visitor answer 29 April 2013

A primary concern in dog bite cases is whether there is adequate insurance to pay for the dog bite victim’s damages. If the owner has homeowner's or renter's insurance, it usually covers damage from dog bites. But If there is no insurance, then it is extremely unlikely that the dog bite victim will be able to receive compensation for damages. You should contact an experienced Dog bite lawyer. They will help you to better understand your legal rights and options.

Visitor answer 9 May 2013

Yes, you are right. A dog bite settlement is payable for injury and loss by the owner or person in control of the animal at the time the violent assault. Most sensible dog owners will either have Pet insurance or Home insurance to pay compensation. If so, the negligent owner's insurers will pay the damages. Where there is no insurance cover it is frequently difficult to obtain a dog bite settlement as the owner of the dog is often needy and unable to pay although strictly speaking they personally remain liable for any awards of damages made against them. You should contact Dog Bite Attorney who will work hard to make sure that you receive fair and just compensation for your injury.

Personal Injury Attorney New York City

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