Homeowners’ Insurance Disputes in Serious San Diego Dog Bite Cases

Dog bites are among the most emotionally and physically traumatic injuries a person can experience. In San Diego, where thousands of families own pets, severe dog bite cases can quickly lead to complicated insurance disputes that leave victims uncertain about how to recover compensation. Homeowners’ insurance policies often cover these incidents, but insurers may try to minimize payments or deny valid claims altogether.

At National Injury Help, our experienced San Diego County personal injury attorneys understand how devastating a dog attack can be. We represent victims in severe injury cases throughout California and fight to ensure that homeowners and their insurance companies take full responsibility for the harm their dogs cause.

Understanding Homeowners’ Insurance Coverage for California Dog Bites

Most homeowners’ insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bites and other injuries caused by pets. This coverage is designed to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages sustained by the injured person. However, not every claim is straightforward.

Insurance companies often impose limits or exclusions within their policies. For example, certain breeds may be excluded from coverage, or the policy may limit the amount payable for a single incident. Additionally, some insurers may argue that the homeowner was not legally responsible or that the victim provoked the attack.

Understanding these details requires carefully reviewing the policy language to determine whether coverage applies. A skilled personal injury attorney can evaluate the policy and identify when an insurer is acting in bad faith by denying a legitimate claim.

Common Causes of Dog Bite Insurance Disputes

Insurance disputes following a dog bite injury often arise because the insurer seeks to avoid liability or minimize the payout.

Common reasons for disagreements include:

• Disputed Fault: The insurance company may claim the injured person was trespassing or provoked the dog.
• Policy Exclusions: Some policies exclude coverage for specific breeds or for dogs with a known history of aggression.
• Coverage Limits: The insurer may argue that the damages exceed the policy limit, leaving the homeowner personally responsible for the remainder.
• Delayed Reporting: Failure to report the incident promptly can lead to claim denials.
• Disagreements Over Damages: Insurers frequently challenge medical costs, pain and suffering claims, or the need for reconstructive treatment.

Victims should not accept an insurer’s denial or low settlement offer without first consulting an experienced attorney who can protect their rights and challenge the insurer’s findings.

California’s Strict Liability Law for Dog Owners

Under California Civil Code Section 3342, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before. This means that if a dog bites someone lawfully on private or public property, the owner is responsible for the damages.

Due to this law, most dog bite cases in San Diego do not require proving negligence. Instead, the primary issue becomes determining who will pay the damages. In many cases, the homeowner’s insurance company is legally obligated to intervene. However, when insurers refuse to pay what is fair, legal action may be necessary to enforce the victim’s rights.

Why Legal Representation Matters in Dog Bite Insurance Claims

Handling a serious dog bite claim on your own can be overwhelming. Victims often face extensive medical bills, emotional trauma, and long recovery times, while insurers use their resources to protect their bottom line.

Our attorneys can help by:

• Investigating the incident and gathering witness statements, medical records, and animal control reports.
• Communicating directly with the insurance company to ensure fair treatment.
• Negotiating for full compensation, including medical costs, reconstructive surgery, emotional distress, and lost income.
• Filing a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to offer a reasonable settlement.

Our team has extensive experience handling complex homeowners’ insurance disputes in severe dog bite cases. We are familiar with the tactics insurance companies employ and know how to hold them accountable under California law.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a dog attack, contact National Injury Help today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights under California’s strict liability laws, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.