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What Kind of Insurance Policy Covers Dog Bites?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and 1 out of 5 of those victims require medical attention. Most dog bite cases involve a claim against the dog owner’s home insurance or renter’s insurance policy.

These types of policies typically cover up to the liability limit, which can be anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000. The dog owner will be responsible for damages that exceed any policy limits.

Starting Low

After you file the claim, an insurance adjuster will reach out to you to start the negotiation process. Just like any other insurance company, Allstate tries to minimize the amount of money it pays out in claims. They will do this by trying to find any weakness in your claim. Be aware that Allstate will use a tough strategy to try and get you to settle your claims for less than they are worth.

Never admit fault in your conversations with the adjuster. Allstate will start by offering you a low-ball settlement for your injuries. They hope that you will take this, but most of the time this first offer is not even enough to cover your expenses. If you don’t accept the initial offer, Allstate changes its approach. You can expect them to engage multiple hardball tactics to avoid paying your claim.

Honesty Is the Best Policy

It will be beneficial to your claim if you state the facts with emotion but avoid exaggerating any part of your story. Don’t omit bad facts that you think will hurt your claim. You should be honest with the insurance company if you want negotiations to continue. They are not required to continue negotiating with you.

Exercise Caution During Recovery

While you are recovering from your dog bite injury, it is important to stay away from any activity the insurance company could use against your claim.

For instance, if you state that you are limited in mobility because of the accident yet you are out jogging around the neighborhood that will hurt your claim. It is good to be aware of the types of activities you engage in while the negotiation of your claim is ongoing.

Get Help from Skilled Dallas Dog Bite Lawyers

At Zinda Law Group, our dog bite attorneys have helped countless bite victims get their lives back on track after suffering an injury.

We have the knowledge and resources to help you pursue maximum recovery for medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and more. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we achieve a favorable settlement, judgment, or verdict for your case.

If you have been injured by a dog bite, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a free consultation with one of our Dallas dog bite lawyers. Meetings with attorneys by appointment only.

Expect Back-and-Forth Negotiation

Your first demand for compensation will almost always be rejected.  Then Progressive will present you with a dramatically lower counteroffer. Don't let this surprise you or make you think that that's all your injuries are worth. 

The adjuster just wants to know how much fight you have. Show them you know what you’re doing, and are ready to go the distance, by asking them to justify their offer. As you continue in negotiations, remain confident. Continue to refer to the dog bite as an “attack” even when the adjuster calls it an “incident” or an “accident.”  If you believe your claim is valid, be respectful, but don’t roll over.

Progressive Will Continue to Undervalue Your Claim

As you continue the back and forth with Progressive, they will likely continue to offer you less than you believe your claim is worth.  You may reach the point where they decide to give a final "take it or leave it” offer. At this point, you should decide whether you are ready to accept their settlement, or whether you want to go to court. If you are unsure, you should consult with an experienced dog bite attorney who will help you review the facts of your case and make the best possible decision.

Progressive May Attempt to Discourage You from Legal Counsel

Don’t be intimidated.  The adjuster will likely try to persuade you to settle for less than your case is worth by insisting that the time and expense of hiring an attorney simply aren’t worth it.  He or she might imply that hiring a lawyer will prevent you from getting your money in a prompt manner. Remember, deciding to hire an attorney and file a lawsuit is a personal decision; do your research, don’t take the adjuster’s claims as true, and make an informed decision moving forward.

Negotiating a dog bite claim with Progressive can be difficult.  However, knowing what to expect, and preparing yourself by researching the facts of your case can give you the confidence you need to begin negotiating your rightful settlement.

Our Dallas Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help

At Zinda Law Group, our dog bite attorneys are highly experienced in successfully taking on the insurance companies, and we have helped countless dog bite victims recover compensation for damages stemming from an attack.

We will fight tirelessly to protect your legal rights and seek the maximum compensation you deserve. And as one of our clients, you will pay nothing until we achieve a favorable settlement, judgment, or verdict for your case.

Call Zinda Law Group today at (800) 863-5312 for your free consultation with one of our Dallas dog bite lawyers. Meetings with attorneys by appointment only.

How to Settle a Claim

Keep records and documentation of everything you spend because of the accident. Save your receipts from the auto body shop, the chiropractor, and any doctor’s visits. Document the days of work you are forced to miss because of pain or doctor’s appointments. Make notes of other ways in which the accident has negatively affected your quality of life. 

Using all that documentation as a guide, make an initial offer to GEICO.  Making the first offer will center the ensuing negotiation around your number rather than a lower number given by the claims adjuster. Don’t be afraid to demand what you believe you are owed, but don’t be outrageous. An offer of $10 million on a claim realistically worth $10,000 will get things off on the wrong foot.

Before making the initial offer, it is important that you know the absolute minimum amount that you are willing to accept to settle the claim. Knowing this will allow you to maintain focus throughout the negotiations. 

If you feel like you’ve done all that you can do and have not received a fair counteroffer from GEICO, it might be time to consider contacting a personal injury attorney.  Fair or not, GEICO adjusters will behave differently in negotiations with an experienced accident lawyer. In speaking with an attorney who has successfully negotiated with them before, adjusters may be more willing to give concessions and arrive at an offer that you are comfortable with. Whichever route you choose, don’t panic; if your demands are based on provable facts, you have a good chance of winning your claim.

Our Dallas Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

At Zinda Law Group, our Dallas personal injury attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to fight the insurance companies on your behalf, and we can help you seek maximum compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other damages stemming from the accident.

We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you’ll never pay any upfront costs, and fees are only collected if we achieve a favorable verdict, judgment, or settlement.

Call Zinda Law Group today at (800) 863-5312 for a free consultation with one of our skilled Dallas car accident lawyers.

Meetings with attorneys by appointment only.