Dog Bite Liability Guidance

Summary

In Illinois, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. Homeowners insurance may cover such incidents, even off-property. Consider negotiating with the hospital for payment plans if the medical bill is high. Consulting a local attorney can provide further guidance on liability and legal obligations.

Full Conversation

I had someone in my vehicle and my dog bit her. We went to Emergency room and now there is a bil. She has no insurance.
In Missouri, dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs, especially if the dog has shown aggressive behavior before. You might want to consider:
- Checking your homeowner's or renter's insurance for coverage.
- Discussing payment plans with the hospital.
- Seeking legal advice for potential liability concerns.
Would you like to connect with a local lawyer who can better assist you with your case?
It happened in Ilinois.
In Illinois, dog owners can also be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs. Here are a few things you might consider:
- Illinois follows a strict liability rule, meaning the owner is liable if the dog injures someone without provocation.
- Check your insurance policies for coverage.
- Consider negotiating payment plans with the hospital.
- Consulting a local lawyer may help with liability issues.
Would you like to connect with a local lawyer who can assist you further?
What insurance would cover this incident?
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In cases like this, the following types of insurance may cover the incident:
- Homeowner's or Renter's Insurance: Often covers liability for dog bites.
- Umbrella Insurance: Provides additional liability coverage beyond standard policies.
It's crucial to review your specific insurance policies or consult with your insurance provider for clarity.
I don't understand how homeowners would cover if it happened in my vehicle in Illinois. What about vehicle insurance?
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In Illinois, vehicle insurance typically covers accidents involving vehicles, not incidents like dog bites. Homeowner's insurance might cover dog bites even if they occur off the property, depending on the policy. It's best to review your specific policy or contact your insurance provider for details.
I am liable period. My homeowners would not cover this.
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Hey ****, it sounds like a challenging situation. Since your homeowners insurance won't cover this incident, you might want to explore these options:
- Negotiate a payment plan with the hospital for the medical bill.
- Consider consulting with a lawyer to discuss liability and potential legal obligations.
If you want more detailed legal advice, reaching out to a lawyer might be beneficial. Would you like help finding a lawyer in your area?
Not at this point. I was willing to cover the medical cost, until I see that the bill is exorbient. For stitches and shots it is over $*.*.
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It seems like you're handling a tough situation, ****. Since the bill is unexpectedly high, you might want to try negotiating a payment plan with the hospital. Also, consider consulting a lawyer for a deeper understanding of your liability and options. If you change your mind about contacting a lawyer, feel free to reach out.
Will the hospital negotiate with me? I am not the patient.
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Hospitals often negotiate bills, especially if the patient is uninsured. You can discuss payment plans or reduced charges directly with the billing department, even if you are not the patient. Make sure to explain your situation clearly.
Ok, thank you
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It sounds like you've got a handle on the situation, ****. Negotiating with the hospital on the bill is a good approach. If anything changes or you need further legal assistance, don't hesitate to reach out!