If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, one of the first questions you may have is whether the dog owner's homeowners insurance will cover your injuries. In many cases, the answer is yes, but every claim depends on the specific facts and the insurance policy involved.

At Sklarosky Law, we help dog bite victims throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania understand their legal rights and pursue compensation for their injuries.

Does Homeowners Insurance Pay for Dog Bite Injuries?

In many cases, homeowners insurance policies provide liability coverage when a dog bites someone. If the dog owner is legally responsible for the attack, the insurance company may pay damages on behalf of its insured, subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and policy limits.

Every insurance policy is different. Some policies contain exclusions for certain breeds or dogs with a history of aggressive behavior, while others may provide broader coverage.

An experienced Pennsylvania dog bite lawyer can review the available insurance coverage and explain how it may affect your claim.

What Compensation May Be Available?

If a dog owner is legally responsible for your injuries, you may be entitled to seek compensation for damages such as:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatment
• Plastic or reconstructive surgery
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent scarring
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Every case is different, and the value of a claim depends upon the nature and extent of the injuries.

What If the Dog Bite Happened Away From the Owner's Home?

Many people assume homeowners insurance only applies if the bite occurred at the owner's residence.

That is not always the case.

Depending on the policy language and the facts of the incident, liability coverage may apply even if the dog bite occurred somewhere other than the owner's property. Coverage questions depend on the specific insurance policy and circumstances surrounding the attack.

What If the Dog Owner Doesn't Have Homeowners Insurance?

Even if the dog owner does not have homeowners insurance, there may be other insurance policies or legal avenues that should be investigated.

For example, coverage may sometimes exist through:

• A renters insurance policy
• An umbrella liability policy
• Another applicable insurance policy

Determining what insurance coverage exists is an important part of evaluating any dog bite claim.

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?

If you have been bitten by a dog, consider taking the following steps:

1. Seek medical treatment immediately.
2. Report the attack to local authorities or animal control.
3. Photograph your injuries.
4. Obtain the dog owner's contact and insurance information, if possible.
5. Preserve all medical records and bills.
6. Contact an experienced dog bite attorney before speaking with the insurance company.

Early investigation can help preserve important evidence and identify available insurance coverage.

Why You Should Speak With a Dog Bite Lawyer

Insurance companies often investigate dog bite claims shortly after an incident occurs. Before accepting a settlement or providing a recorded statement, it is important to understand your legal rights.

An attorney can help:

• Investigate the circumstances of the attack
• Identify available insurance coverage
• Gather medical records and other evidence
• Communicate with the insurance company
• Evaluate the value of your claim
• Pursue compensation through settlement or litigation when appropriate

Contact Sklarosky Law

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, Sklarosky Law is here to help.

We proudly represent dog bite victims in the following counties:

• Luzerne County
• Columbia County
• Lackawanna County 
• Carbon County 
• Monroe County
• Wyoming County

You may have the right to compensation—but acting quickly matters. Evidence can disappear, and deadlines apply. At Sklarosky Law, we offer free consultations and handle dog bite cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Call (570) 283-1200 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.