Can you get money if a dog bites you? Get Your Pet Thinking

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Coverage Included in Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance

You do not need to take out a pet liability policy to shield yourself against making hefty payments if your dog attacks someone. The protection you need could already be in your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.

The coverage you could potentially get from those policies is also not a paltry amount. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the relevant liability limits for homeowner’s and renter’s policies usually fall in the range of $100,000 to $300,000. That is a good amount of coverage and that could suffice in your case.

However, you cannot assume that dog bite coverage will be in your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. Some providers do not include dog bite protection in their mandatory coverage. You may need to pay extra for that addition.

The breed of your dog may also matter if you are seeking coverage from your homeowner’s or renter’s policy. Some companies may charge higher premiums because of your dog’s breed. Others may flatly refuse to offer coverage because of your pet’s breed.

What is the average dog bite settlement amount?

The average settlement for a dog bite case is around $50,000 in many states. In some other states, it can be around $35,000.

These amounts are increasing, every year. In 2019, the average dog bite insurance claim was for $44,760. In 2020, it was for $50,425.

However, every particular case is unique. Some are worth fairly little. Some are worth far more than average. Some key factors that determine how much a case will be worth are the:

  • injuries suffered by the victim, especially if the bite proved to be fatal,
  • victim’s share of responsibility for the dog attack,
  • dog’s bite history,
  • dog owner’s conduct,
  • state where the attack occurred, and
  • characteristics of the dog or victim, like if the dog was a law enforcement animal, or if the victim was a veterinarian.

    • Because there are so many factors, there is no such thing as an average dog bite payout. A dog bite attorney can advocate on behalf of victims who want to make sure they get fully compensated.

    Average Settlement Amounts for Chicago Residents in Dog Bite Claims

    The average dog bite settlement can vary depending on the severity of the injuries. However, according to a report, the average dog bite payout is $30,000.

    This figure takes into account both physical damages and emotional pain and suffering. While some cases may settle for less or more, this figure is often typical for Chicago residents.

    Individuals can also receive additional compensation for medical bills, loss of wages, and other expenses related to the injuries caused by a dog bite.

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