According to the Palm Beach Post, a growing number of major insurers won't write insurance policies for owners of so-called bully breeds. Bully breeds comprised of dogs thought to be aggressive even if the individual dog has shown no history or inclination to attack. Pit bulls are a classic example of a "bully" breed that may jeopardize insurance coverage for the dog owner.
A single dog bite can often be an expensive proposition for an insurance company. The average payout per dog bite is $24,461. High medical costs, and serious medical complications to the victim of a serious dog bite, can also expose an insurance company to damages topping off at $1 million, and beyond. That is particularly the case given it is uncommon for victims of serious dog bite attacks to require reconstructive surgery, and other expensive medical attention.
Our dog bite attorneys continue to be concerned about the alarming rate of dog bites that occur way too frequently in Florida. Each year, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs, and nearly 900,000 of them - half of whom are children - require medical care. Yet these simple tips could help avoid a dog bite.
Owners of pit bulls, including Staffordshire terriers, Dobermans, Rottweilers, chows, Presa Canarios, Akitas, huskies and wolf hybrids cannot get homeowners, condo and renters policies through Castle Key, the subsidiary of Allstate that writes such policies in Florida. United Property & Casualty Insurance excludes the same dogs as Castle Key plus German shepherds, American Eskimos or any mixed breed that is half or more of any of the banned breeds.
State Farm Insurance ignores breed and focuses on a survey dog owners must fill out before they are approved. The form asks whether their dog has a history of bites and if so what measures the owner has taken, such as obedience classes or a fence, to prevent the animal from attacking again.
Dog bite victims should also speak with one of our experienced attorneys. We represented the insurance companies for years so we know all of their tricks. And we're ready to use what we learned defending the insurance companies for your benefit. Therefore, call us today to discuss your case in greater detail.
