What to Do If Your Pet Injures Someone: Understanding Liability Coverage in California
No one ever expects their pet to injure someone. Unfortunately, accidents can and do happen—and when they do, having sufficient pet liability in California through your home insurance or your renters insurance is critical. Understanding how pet liability insurance in California works and what to expect when you have to file a claim can help you after your pet injures someone.
Are You Legally Responsible If Your Pet Hurts Someone in California?
California law places strict liability on dog owners if their pet bites or injures someone. That means that pet owners are responsible for any injuries caused by their pets, even in cases where they did not know that the dog was prone to biting or took steps to protect against an attack from the animal.
Pet owners bear responsibility for injuries that occur when their animals are out in public or when someone has the legal right to enter private property where the animal is kept. That includes delivery drivers, friends visiting the property, or service workers.
Exceptions to Strict Liability Laws in California
While California law does hold pet owners strictly liable for the damages caused by their pets, there are some exceptions to that law. That includes:
- Individuals trespassing on private property
- The victim antagonizing the dog
- The victim committing a crime or other act that would provoke a response from the dog
In those cases, the pet owner may not bear liability for the defensive actions of their pet.
What to Do Immediately After Your Pet Injures Someone
If your pet bites or otherwise injures someone–including injuries caused by jumping on them–you need to act quickly and decisively.
1. Confine Your Pet
Remove your pet from the area and place them in an area where they are not near other people or animals. Keep in mind that a dog who is already riled and anxious, or who is sick or injured, may be more likely to bite again.
2. Offer Any Needed Medical Assistance
Help the victim with any immediate medical needs, including stopping the bleeding. In the case of severe injuries, call 911 immediately. Encourage the injured person to seek medical attention since dog bites can carry a significant risk of infection.
3. Gather Information
Get all relevant information from the injured person, including their name, address, and the extent of their injuries.
4. Document the Incident
Make a note of the time and date of the incident and the victim’s injuries. You may want to take your own photos of the injuries.
5. Avoid Admitting Fault
Do not accept responsibility for the incident, especially if you do not know exactly what happened. Remember, you may not be liable if the other person was trespassing or provoked your dog.
6. Contact Your Insurance Provider
If the injured person files a claim, your insurance provider will need to get answers about the situation from you. Call and provide what information you have ahead of time. Your insurance provider can let you know about any next steps, including how to provide them with photos and other evidence.
Will Your Homeowners or Renters Insurance Cover Injuries Caused by Pets?
Your homeowner or renter insurance product may provide coverage for the damages associated with a dog bite, including cases in which the bite occurred off of your property. However, keep in mind that some exceptions may apply, including:
- Exclusions for dogs known to be aggressive
- Denied coverage for dogs with a previous bite history
Carefully review your canine liability policy before a bite occurs to make sure that you have coverage. Keep in mind that if your insurance company has to pay out for a dog bite or other pet injury, it may increase your insurance costs in the future. Also, you may end up unable to use that insurance policy to cover dog bites in the future.
When Do You Need Pet Liability Insurance?
Policies with liability insurance cover the damages caused to another person because of your negligence or lack of action. It provides much-needed protection that prevents you from facing personal liability for those damages. You may need specialty pet liability insurance in California or other locations across the United States under several circumstances.
- Your pet has bitten someone in the past or has a history of aggression and property-damaging incidents.
- Your insurance company does not provide coverage for pet-related injuries.
- You have not notified, and do not intend to notify, your insurance provider that you have a pet.
- Your pet is a breed that falls under the restricted list.
You may also want to consider pet liability insurance in California if you do not carry homeowners or renters insurance or if you are concerned about an aggressive pet and how it may impact your future insurance coverage.
How to Prevent Pet Liability Issues
If you have a dog, even a dog that does not have a history of aggression, make sure you’re prepared for potential liability issues—and take steps to prevent them ahead of time.
First, make sure that you have the liability coverage you need to protect your finances in the event of a dog bite or other pet-related injury. This includes choosing the right liability limit for your circumstances.
Next, take the steps to properly train and socialize your pet. Introduce them to a wide range of people in different situations so that they can get used to them, and train them appropriately.
Get to know the signs of fear, discomfort, and aggression in animals. Supervise your pet carefully, especially around children and strangers, and remove them from the situation immediately if they show rising signs of discomfort or aggression.
Be a Responsible Pet Owner—Check Your Liability Coverage Today!
Do you have the right pet liability coverage to cover damages if your pet harms someone? Check your coverage or check out pet insurance options to make sure that you are fully covered.
Cost-U-Less Insurance can help you find the right pet liability insurance in California that fits your needs. Call (800) 390-4071 to speak to a professional, visit a California office near you, or get a fast rate online to find the coverage you need.
