One of the most common ways to recover compensation after being attacked or bitten by a dog is by filing a claim with the dog owner’s insurance company. Progressive is one of Illinois’ most popular homeowners insurance providers. If the dog’s owner has a policy with Progressive, you may be able to file a claim against their policy and seek a settlement for your damages.
However, filing a Progressive dog bite claim could prove more challenging than you expect. While you recuperate, it may be in your best interests to have your Illinois dog bite attorney negotiate with Progressive insurance adjusters on your behalf so you can protect yourself from being taken advantage of.
Filing a Claim With Progressive After a Dog Bite
After suffering a severe dog bite injury, dog owners can be held accountable for the actions of their pets. In some states, dog owners can avoid liability for victims’ injuries under the “one bite rule”. However, Illinois does not give dog owners a free pass if their dog has not previously attacked or bitten.
They are held strictly liable for their dog’s behavior and losing control of the animal. To protect themselves from liability, many dog owners will take out insurance policies. There are several types of policies that may be appropriate, including general liability, homeowners insurance, and umbrella policies.
General liability insurance is often for business owners, homeowners insurance is designed to protect dog owners in the event of a bite or attack on their property, and umbrella policies are in effect if the dog attacks anywhere outside the home.
However, it’s important to remember that these policies don’t cover every loss. They cover specific types of damages, such as those related to severe bodily injury and personal property damages. They do not generally cover any type of non-economic loss and a wide array of financially-based damages.
Breeds Progressive Does Not Cover
Progressive does not restrict any specific type of dog breed. Many other insurance companies will exclude one or more of the following dog breeds, but it does not apply for Progressive:
- German shepherds
- Akitas
- Rottweilers
- Pit bulls
- Wolf breeds
- Siberian Huskies
How Much Can You Get From a Progressive Dog Bite Claim
The amount you can obtain from your Progressive dog bite settlement will vary depending on the type of coverage the dog’s owner has purchased. If the dog owner purchases the minimum amount of coverage, you may find the settlement is not enough to fully cover your damages. However, if the dog’s owner carried an extensive amount of coverage, you may be able to get your medical expenses covered and replace any personal property that was damaged in the attack.
How Often Are Dog Bite Claims Filed With Progressive?
Progressive does not have information readily available that describes how often dog bite claims are filed. However, since multiple types of insurance policies offered by Progressive protect dog owners, it’s likely they are somewhat common.
What to Do if Progressive Won’t Pay
There are multiple instances in which Progressive will not pay out on your claim or attempts to get you to settle for less than you deserve. Fortunately, you do not need to rely on an insurance settlement to demand justice. If we determine Progressive has handled your claim in bad faith, your personal injury attorney will be prepared to take legal action against them. Usually, the threat of filing a lawsuit will be enough for insurance adjusters to handle your claim fairly.
However, if Progressive has paid out the maximum amount required based on the policy terms, you may need to explore alternative options. Your Illinois dog bite attorney can represent you when you file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner and other potentially liable parties. When you go to court, you have a chance to recoup your damages in full. Some examples of recoverable damages after a dog bite include:
- Medical expenses not covered by insurance
- Emotional trauma and distress
- Mental health counseling
- Skin scarring and disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of income and employee benefits
Meet With an Illinois Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Although getting Progressive to compensate you fairly for your damages after a dog bite may be challenging, having the right legal advocate on your side means you can hold this insurance company accountable for its financial obligations.
Get help with your dog bite insurance claim when you contact an experienced Illinois dog bite attorney at Mike Agruss Law. Schedule your free consultation today when you fill out our quick contact form or call our office.
