Many serious dog attacks involve the dog of
a friend or family member. Therefore, victims frequently worry about who
will pay their damages because they don't want a friend or family member
to feel the burden. There is no reason to worry. Even though the dog owner
is technically liable, the damages usually are paid by:
-
Homeowner's insurance;
-
Renter's insurance;
-
Landlord's insurance;
-
Dog owner insurance;
-
Insurance covering employers and breeders, if they are responsible.
Therefore, if you are a victim and the dog
owner is a friend or family member who is covered by insurance, and if
that insurance has a limit high enough to cover your needs, there is no
possibility that your friend or family member will ever have to pay one
cent toward your compensation.
There have been cases where a defendant in
a lawsuit had to pay for damages out of his or her pocket because:
-
The insurance was inadequate;
-
There was no insurance
-
The defendant acted with actual malice and intentionally caused the
injury, and the damages were designed to punish him or her.
However, the victim has complete control as
to whether to ask for or collect such compensation. If the victim decides
against pursuing certain damages, there is no possibility that the dog
owner will have to pay them.
