After being bitten by a dog, you may suffer severe injuries that require extensive medical attention, possibly causing substantial financial losses and extreme emotional distress. Illinois’ strict liability dog bite laws demand the dog’s owner be held strictly liable for the damages their animal causes.
If the dog’s owner has insurance coverage through State Farm, your dog bite attorney can prepare the necessary documents and negotiate with State Farm insurance adjusters on your behalf. However, do not be surprised if the insurance claims process is more complex than you expected it to be.
How State Farm Dog Bite Insurance Claims Work
There are several types of insurance policies State Farm offers that can protect dog owners if their animal bites or attacks someone. Homeowners insurance is available to protect dog owners if a dog bite happens on their property. However, since many dog owners will walk their dogs in public parks and streets, umbrella policies are also available.
These are designed to cover the dog itself as opposed to a specific location. Dog owners have the option of purchasing as much or as little coverage as they deem necessary. However, State Farm has been known to offer millions of dollars in coverage if the policyholder is willing to pay for it.
Does State Farm Exclude Dog Breeds from Coverage?
Some insurance companies will exclude specific dog breeds, but State Farm does not. If you were attacked by a dog breed that is known to be more dangerous than others, you may have concerns that the insurance company will not pay out on your claim. However, State Farm has paid out insurance settlements for a variety of dog breed bites, including:
- Rottweilers
- Wolf breeds
- Pit bulls
- Doberman pinschers
- Akitas
- Staffordshire terriers
- German shepherds
- Alaskan malamutes
- Siberian Huskies
- Great Danes
In 2022, State Farm paid out more than $200 million for over 3,000 injury claims caused by dog bites and attacks. It is one of the only insurance companies that has transparent information about how frequently they pay out claims for dog bites.
When State Farm Won’t Pay
State Farm, like most insurance companies, is successful because it pays out less in claims than it brings in through insurance premiums. Therefore, insurance adjusters are often tasked with combing through claims, looking for opportunities to deny claimants or reduce settlements.
Insurance adjusters have been known to blame victims for sharing liability, trick them into settling for less than their claim is worth, manipulate their words to make it appear as though they have accepted fault for the accident, and even misrepresent the terms of the policy.
Your Illinois dog bite attorney will review the dog owner’s insurance policy to ensure we understand what State Farm’s financial obligations are. We will do everything possible to get you the compensation you deserve.
Damages You Can Recover Through Your Dog Bite Insurance Claim
Generally, these policies will cover specific types and amounts of damages based on the policy terms. However, most policies will cover damage to physical property, funeral expenses, healthcare costs, and loss of income. If a victim suffers other types of damages, State Farm will not cover them if they are not included as part of the policy terms.
When to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit
If you’re receiving a dog bite settlement from State Farm that is not enough to fully cover your losses, it’s time to consider your alternatives. Illinois follows strict liability dog bite laws, so the dog’s owner should compensate you for your damages. Some of these damages may be covered through the dog owner’s insurance policy.
However, others can only be recovered through a lawsuit. You are entitled to full compensation for every economic and non-economic loss. If insurance is insufficient or the dog owner does not have insurance coverage in place, it may be in your best interests to move forward with your dog bite lawsuit.
Talk With an Illinois Dog Bite Attorney Today
If the dog’s owner has State Farm insurance, filing a claim against their policy may be one of the best ways to recoup a significant portion of your damages. Unfortunately, this insurance settlement may not cover your losses in full.
An experienced Illinois dog bite lawyer at Mike Agruss Law can help you get the most out of your insurance claim and move forward with a lawsuit if necessary. Explore your legal options further when you contact our office for a free consultation. You can reach us by phone or through our online contact form to get started.
