Dog bites
A bite from a neighbor's dog is still a claim
Many bites happen close to home, by dogs people know. That can make it hard to ask for help. Most of the time the claim goes to the owner's insurance, not their pocket.
We look at what the bite cost you: treatment, scarring, nerve damage, missed work and the fear that stays after. We also look at the owner's policy and whether the dog has bitten before.
Where bites happen
At a neighbor's house or yard
At a rental or apartment complex
On a walk or at the park
At a business or a job site
What we look into
The bite is the start. Here is what we check next.
The owner's insurance
A homeowner's or renter's policy often covers a bite. We find out what exists before anyone is blamed.
The dog's history
Animal control reports and earlier complaints can show whether the owner knew the dog was a risk.
Healing, in photos
Scars change over months. We help you photograph the healing so the claim shows the full picture.
Questions about dog bite claims
The owner is my neighbor. Will this hurt them?
Often the claim is paid by the owner's insurance. We'll talk it through before you decide, and the choice is yours.
What should I do right after a bite?
Get medical care first, even if the wound looks small. Then photograph it, write down what you remember and get the owner's name and address.
What if the dog bit my child?
A claim for a child works a little differently, and a court may need to approve a settlement. We'll explain each step to you.
Bitten? Let's talk it through
Tell us what happened. We'll say what we see and what to do first.