Dog bite lawsuits are sometimes necessary after a dog attacks someone. They may want to collect compensation for their injuries or have the other party pay their medical bills.
It’s important that you understand your right to make a claim against another person for their pet’s actions. Don’t fall victim to these myths that might prevent you from filing your claim.
4 myths about dog bite lawsuits
Some myths about dog bite lawsuits could prevent you from making a claim when you need to. Knowing the reality will help you protect yourself and make sure you are treated fairly in this situation.
- It’s personal when you make a claim
The first thing to know is that it’s not personal if you make a claim against another person because their dog has bitten you. Often, it’s simply business. You need to get your medical bills covered and lost wages replaced, for example, but that doesn’t mean you’re angry or upset about what happened or that you blame that person specifically.
- You can’t claim if you came onto the person’s property
Even if you were on the property without direct permission, you may still be able to make a claim.
- You can’t hold an owner liable for their dog’s behaviors
Strict liability rules mean that owners are responsible for what their dogs do, even if the dog is on their own property or has escaped from it.
- You won’t be able to collect much compensation
In many cases, it’s possible to make a claim against a person’s insurance, either home or auto, for a dog bite. For example, if you were riding in a car with the dog when it nipped you, you could make a claim against the owner’s auto insurance company. If you were a visitor in their home, homeowner’s insurance could cover it.
You deserve support after a dog bite
These are four myths that needed to be dispelled. If you’ve been bitten, you do have a right to make a claim and seek the fair amount of compensation that you’re owed for what you’ve been through.
