Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a Dog Bite in Summerville, SC?

Ramie Shalabi | July 4, 2025 | Dog Bites

Dogs are some of the most beloved animals on the planet. Unfortunately, it only takes a single incident for a canine to bite a human. In an instant, this situation can leave someone in pain and potentially put them in danger, depending on the ferocity of the bite and the location where it occurred.

Understandably, the aftermath of a dog bite can be a frightening time for the victim, the dog, and the animal’s owner. Knowing what comes next can provide some clarity during such a stressful and potentially traumatizing time.

In this post, you’ll learn:

• If homeowners’ insurance covers a dog bite
• How insurance may cover bite-related expenses
• When a dog bite may not be covered
• About dog bite settlements
• What can animal owners do to prevent dog bites
• How a personal injury dog bite attorney can provide help

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a Dog Bite? It’s Complicated

DSB Law Firm would love to give you a simple yes or no answer to this question. Unfortunately, each dog bite case is different in Summerville, SC (or elsewhere). Generally, most homeowners’ insurance policies do cover dog bite claims as a type of personal liability. However, that’s not always the case. It’s imperative to understand how key limitations and exclusions may affect your case.

How Homeowners’ Insurance Covers Dog Bites

A typical homeowners’ insurance policy can cover a dog bite under one of two types of coverage. The first type of coverage is personal liability coverage. It can pay for damages, including a victim’s medical expenses, scarring, and lost wages, if a policyholder and dog owner is found liable.

The second coverage type is medical payments coverage. It can pay for a portion of a dog bite victim’s medical costs, even if a dog bite case in Summerville, SC, had nothing to do with a dog’s owner being negligent.

When Dog Bites Might Not Be Covered

As we’ve mentioned, in most cases, homeowners’ insurance covers dog bites. So, what about when it doesn’t?

These situations can include:

• Breed Restrictions: Some insurance companies won’t cover incidents involving Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Dobermans, or other breeds they deem as dangerous.
• Where the Bite Happened: A homeowner’s insurance policy may not cover a bite that happened in public or otherwise not on the policyholder’s property. 
• Who Was Bit: Insurance providers typically don’t cover injuries that happen to anyone living in the insured home.

Even if a homeowner’s insurance policy covers dog bites, victims may still face delays during the claims process. Insurance adjusters often conduct a thorough review of these cases, seeking any reason to reduce payouts or avoid paying someone altogether. If you suspect that’s happening, speak with DSB Law Firm immediately. We’ll help manage communications with insurers, assist in accurately documenting damages, and ensure that no one is taking advantage of your situation.

Dog Bite Settlements: What to Expect

Whether you’re the owner of a dog who bit someone or you were a victim of an animal bite, settlements are essential for all parties to understand. A settlement lets one party (the dog’s owner) agree to pay for the victim’s damages in exchange for the other party not to pursue further legal action.

As personal injury dog bite attorneys, we know that exact settlements vary on a per-case basis. However, dog bite settlements typically factor in the following:

• Medical expenses (emergency room visits, ongoing appointment costs, surgeries, etc.)
• Lost wages 
• Temporary or permanent disfigurements/scarring
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering

While you’d like to believe they’re on your side, insurance companies may offer settlement amounts lower than what you deserve. That’s why you never want to accept an initial settlement offer without speaking to a personal injury dog bite attorney first. DSB Law Firm offers free case reviews. Let us learn the details of your incident and help ensure you leave nothing on the table.

What Homeowners Can Do to Prevent Dog Bite Incidents

Taking proactive steps as a homeowner and dog owner can reduce, if not eliminate, the risk of a bite incident happening. Our personal injury dog bite attorneys are here to offer several innovative ways to avoid your dog biting someone:

• Training Your Dog: Whether due to their nature or the environment in which they were raised, some dogs are more prone to exhibiting aggression than others. If your dog isn’t naturally friendly around people, it may require training aimed at enforcing boundaries.
• Practice Socializing: A key way to prevent bite incidents is by ensuring your dog is comfortable around people. Dog training experts recommend socializing a canine as early as possible.
• Keep the Animal Away From People: Sometimes, there’s no other option for an animal owner than to keep their dog away from other people whenever possible. In that case, fences, pet crates, and strong leashes can help keep everyone safe.
• Stay Up-to-Date with Vet Visits: Typically, healthy dogs are less likely to be aggressive than those who are in pain or discomfort. Additionally, keeping your dog’s vaccinations up to date can help minimize the medical expenses of a bite victim.

How DSB Law Firm Can Help in Your Dog Bite Case in Summerville, SC

Dayson Shalabi Burkett Law Firm, LLC, understands that animal bites can incur significant emotional and financial stress. Dog bites might sound minor, but severe ones can turn someone’s world upside down in moments.

We help dog bite victims in several ways, including:

• Investigating the bite incident and gathering evidence
• Identifying coverage outlined in a homeowner’s insurance policy
• Negotiating with insurance adjusters for maximum compensation
• Representing you in court if a dog bite settlement isn’t provided

Know Your Rights and Understand Your Options

We’ve covered whether homeowners’ insurance covers dog bites. It’s now time to think about what comes next. Whether you’re a homeowner trying to understand your responsibilities or a victim navigating the aftermath of a dog bite case in Summerville, SC, you have legal options. The personal injury dog bite attorneys at DSB Law Firm are here to assist you.

Please follow these steps by contacting us. Reach out today for your free consultation with DSB Law Firm. We’re an experienced and responsive legal team that’s dedicated to helping our clients.