1. Will a dog owner’s insurance policy pay for dog bite claims?
Yes. Nearly every homeowner’s insurance policy covers personal injuries caused by the homeowner’s dog. In addition to a violation of a leash law, the insurer might require information regarding the dog’s propensity toward vicious behavior and the circumstances surrounding the incident before paying your claim. The Watertown dog bite lawyers at the Law Offices of Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates, LLP, can help you determine whether you have a claim and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
2. What if the person responsible for the pet doesn’t have homeowner’s insurance? Can a landlord’s insurance company be held responsible for a dog bite claim?
Yes, under certain conditions. If a landlord permits a tenant to keep a dangerous dog, and if the landlord fails to take the proper legal action to have the dog removed, the landlord and his or her insurer could be legally responsible for your injuries.
3. What do I need to show to prove the landlord knew a tenant’s pet was aggressive and posed a threat?
The Watertown attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates, LLP, will know what information is important. Showing that the landlord was responsible for having such knowledge may be enough to support a claim, regardless of whether the landlord actually knew about the potentially dangerous pet.
4. My child’s face is scarred because my friend’s dog bit him. My friend says my son provoked her dog to attack. Is it still possible for my child to get compensation for the dog bite?
In general, the responsibility for a pet’s actions lies with the pet’s owner, but there are several factors to consider, such as:
- Where did the bite happen?
- Was it on your property or your friend’s?
- Who was responsible for watching the child?
- Had the dog shown prior vicious tendencies?
Courts typically do not find younger children – especially those under seven years old – to be legally responsible for provoking a dog to bite or attack.
5. My dog bit someone. Am I legally responsible for that person’s injuries?
It depends. If you knew the dog is vicious and it bit someone, New York State law holds you responsible for all damages it causes. However, if the dog was restrained and on your property, the court might weigh those factors in your favor.
6. Someone else’s dog bit the mail carrier while I was watching it. Could I be held responsible for the mailman’s injuries?
More than likely, the dog’s owner would be held liable. In some instances, though, people who only keep or care for another person’s dog can be held liable for its actions while it is under their care.
7. I wasn’t attacked by a dog, but a dog ran in front of my car while I was driving. The impact damaged my car. Who is liable for damages to my vehicle?
A court may find the dog owner liable for damages the pet causes, especially in jurisdictions with pet-restraint mandates (such as a leash law). Claims such as these are common, especially with regard to dogs chasing motorcycles or bicycles.
8. I have more questions about dog bite cases in New York. What should I do?
Get in touch with the Watertown dog bite lawyers at the Law Offices of Scott C. Gottlieb & Associates, LLP, today. You can reach us at (315) 782-3547 or 1-800-TALK-LAW or fill out our online contact form. We can answer your questions and discuss your potential claim, all at no charge to you.
