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 damages, your friend or family member will not 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.
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