Dogs might be domesticated pets, but that does not mean they have lost all of their animal instincts. Some of those instincts can be harmless. However, biting is not among those. Dog bites can — and often do — cause serious injuries for which victims typically require medical care. Covering the cost of that medical care is not always easy, but it is possible to hold Minnesota dog owners accountable for their pets’ actions.
Insurance companies provide compensation for dog bite injuries in a number of situations. For example, if a dog bit someone on its owner’s property, homeowner’s insurance would likely cover the resulting medical costs. Insurance coverage might even extend beyond the owner’s property, such as the park. The insurance company might also refuse to compensate a victim if it has already covered a bite or other incident with the same dog.
Car insurance coverage usually applies when a dog bites someone through a window or from the bed of a pickup truck. Some homeowner’s insurance policies also cover dog bites in vehicles, which can pose a problem. This is because the two insurance companies will likely argue over who is actually responsible for covering damages.
Some victims feel hesitant about seeking compensation when the involved owners are neighbors or even friends. In many cases, dog owners in Minnesota do not have to personally pay anything as damages are typically covered by their insurance companies. This means that victims can prioritize seeking compensation for dog bites without worrying about imposing financial hardships on owners.
