Is it just me or are we seeing more reports in the media these days about dogs attacking people?
It can be traumatic for the owner as well as the victim. For instance, I read last week about a case in California in which a lawsuit resulted in a payout of more than $1 million for a youngster attacked by a dog.
It turns out that around 1,000 bite victims end up in emergency rooms throughout North America every day and there are close on 5 million bites in a single year.
Doggie Tips
If you’re a dog owner, or about to be, keep these in mind:
- Some breeds are more inclined to bite than others. Most homeowners carriers have an unacceptable dog breed list. Check this list or they will not insure your home if you own a dog that is on that list. The list includes but is not limited to breeds such as: Pitt Bull, Akita, Chows, Husky, German Shepard, etc…
- Most bite victims are children, so you should be extra vigilant when kids are around.
- Dog aggression may be driven by a sense of possessiveness- for property or individuals. If your dog exhibits these symptoms, seek professional help.
- Common warning signs of an attack include pinned-back ears, back fur standing up, yawning to show teeth and intense eye contact.
Most homeowners insurance policies do not offer coverage for animal liability. If you have questions regarding your homeowners insurance policy and where you can find coverage to protect yourself against any liability that comes with owning a pet, give us a call!
