How to Avoid High Liability Costs if Your Dog Bites Someone

Dog owners may face legal liability if their dog bites someone. To keep your liability costs in check, there are some precautionary measures you should take. Although some states automatically hold dog owners legally liable if their dog kills or injures someone, here are a few tips to avoid high liability costs if your dog bites someone.

Things You'll Need

  • Knowledge of your dogs behavior
  • Pet insurance
  • Dog warning signs
  • Fenced in area
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Instructions

  1. How to Avoid High Liability Costs if Your Dog Bites Someone

    • 1

      Never let your dog run free unless it’s inside of your fenced property. When you take your dog out for a walk always have it on a leash. If you let your dog run free and it bites someone, you will be held at fault.

    • 2

      Know the laws in your state regarding dog owner liability. State statutes and laws vary depending on where you live. Some states have more strict laws regarding dog owner liability depending on the extent of the injury your dog causes if it bites someone.

    • 3

      Make sure you get liability insurance. Most homeowners and renters insurance policies provide coverage for dog bite liability. Depending on the breed of dog you have, some insurance companies may charge you more or make the owner sign a liability waiver for dog bites. Even so, it’s better to pay for the coverage.

    • 4

      Keep your dog’s vaccinations up-to-date. You don’t want to run the risk of your dog giving someone rabies from biting them. If this happens, your dog will be put to sleep so for the health of the dog and anyone the dog may bite, keep your dog’s vaccinations current.

    • 5

      Post warning signs around your yard on the outside of any fences or gates to inform people that a dog lives there. This is a precautionary measure that can help protect you if your dog bites someone while the person is on your property. Most states don’t hold dog owners liable for dogs biting trespassers but it’s important to be knowledgeable of your states laws concerning this. In some cases, dog owners may have to pay for the injured person’s medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

    • 6

      Be aware of your dog’s behavior and how it acts around other people. If your dog is a biter or is vicious, keep other people from around it. If other people are going to be around, put a muzzle on the dog or keep it in another room until they leave. Some insurance companies won’t offer insurance for certain breeds such as rottweilers and pit bulls. If an insurance company won’t cover your breed of dog, it is up to you, the owner, to insure the safety of others around your dog.