Dog Bites: A Business Insurance Liability

​Dog bites are a common cause of personal injury lawsuits. Dog owners are often held liable even if the dog has no history of biting or aggressive behavior. The liability can be devastating to people who love their dogs but cannot afford the cost of settlements and court judgments. 

Dog bite claims against dog owners can be costly, even if the victim is not seriously injured. Dog bites are covered by most homeowners’ and renter's insurance policies. Many insurance companies offer dog bite coverage discounts, typically less than $1 per month per $100 of liability coverage.

Dog Bite Liability
It is important to note that a dog bite is not a property damage claim. The insurance policy will typically cover the victim only if the bite happens on the owner's property.

In other words, a dog owner who refuses to train his dog to be friendly is already at fault for allowing the dog to bite. Most insurance companies will not cover the victim's medical expenses and losses, even if they suffered permanent injuries.

Dog Bite Prevention
Dog owners can prevent bites by teaching them to obey basic commands like "leave it" and "stop." Dog owners should always keep their dogs on a leash and be cautious when near other animals or children. Always be alert when there are loose dogs nearby. Keep your pets under control and your pets with you.

Dog Bite Injury Claims
A lawsuit for dog bite claims could include injuries such as broken bones, compound fractures, loss of hands and fingers, loss of teeth, tissue damage, and nerve damage. 

A victim with serious injuries could lose the use of an arm or leg. Many victims of dog bites do not seek treatment for their injuries because they are afraid of the treatment or the pain.

Conclusion
It can be expensive to cover dog bites as a business owner. Buying a small business insurance policy covering dog bites may be the cheapest way to insure your business against liability. Ensure you have workers' compensation insurance, as many insurance companies will not provide liability coverage for dog bites on the worksite.

At Robinsons Insurance Agency, we aim to provide comprehensive insurance policies that make your life easier. We want to help you get the insurance that fits your needs. You can get more information about our products and services by calling our agency at (888) 254-7350. Get your free quote today by CLICKING HERE.