Numerous pit bull attacks prompt insurance coverage change in California

March 27, 2013

Numerous pit bull attacks prompt insurance coverage change in California

A southern California woman suffered severe puncture wounds earlier this month during an attack by a pit bull. Neighbors heard the woman screaming and came to her rescue with baseball bats. Pit bulls were also to blame for the deaths of two California women in February and for an attack on a horse and its rider earlier this year.

According to dogsbite.org, there were 38 fatal dog attacks in the United States last year, a rate of one death every 19 days. Certain breeds of dogs are to blame for a majority of those deaths and a California insurance company is making policy coverage changes, exempting a few breeds from homeowner insurance policies. Farmers Group, Inc. no longer covers dog bites from the following dog breeds:
-Pit bulls
-Rottweilers
-Wolf hybrids

This means that a person who suffers personal injuries from a dog attack by one of these types of dogs will have to seek compensation for his or her injuries directly from the dog owner rather than the insurance company. Other insurance companies have what is referred to as the "one-bite rule" -- they will cover damages for injuries sustained in a first attack caused by a dog, but not for subsequent attacks.

The change to Farmers Group, Inc. policies goes into effect when a homeowner's insurance policy comes up for renewal. The coverage change can make it much more difficult for those injured by these types of dogs to obtain compensation for medical expenses, disabilities or wage losses due to an attack. A personal injury lawsuit may be necessary to recover damages suffered.

Preventing dog attacks

Although many dog attacks appear to be unprovoked, there are certain things a person can do to help prevent an attack.
-Recognize signs of aggression such as snarling, growling or a rigid stance
-Avoid situations where a dog may be experiencing fear or frustration
-Take pepper spray, citronella spray or an air horn when encounter with dogs are anticipated
-Carry an umbrella or other object to create space between you and an aggressive dog
-Avoid smiling at dogs as this is the dog equivalent of baring your teeth for a fight
-Remain as calm as possible, stay standing and avoid looking directly at the dog

Compensation for dog attacks

If you suffer an injury caused by a dog or a loved one is killed in a dog attack, seek legal counsel from a personal injury attorney. You may be able to recover losses through the dog owner's insurance company or directly from the owner.

Article provided by Scher & Bassett
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