Dangerous Dog Breeds According To Insurance Companies

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The American Kennel Club has registered 192 dog breeds in the United States, with more than 60 million households having around 90 million dogs. The reason why our furry companions are so diverse is that each type of dog breed was historically bred to take on a certain role or job. Some dogs, like Australian Shepherds, were bred for animal herding while others like Pit Bulls were bred to assist hunters in restraining large game animals such as bears. Centuries of breeding dogs for specific tasks has influenced their genetic makeup that, in turn, influences their behavior and propensity to act aggressively.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has stated that a dog’s propensity to be aggressive is not entirely dependent on their breed, but instead, their behavior is also influenced by how much early positive socialization they have with humans. Although a dog’s breed does not wholly determine their behavior, dogs that were bred to be more aggressive such as Pit Bulls, will have a higher likelihood of biting humans when isolated or not properly cared for than other dog breeds. Because certain breeds have a higher propensity to be involved in dog bite-related accidents, homeowners’ insurance and renter’s insurance have instituted policies restricting or excluding certain dog breeds from their coverage.

As there are many homeowners and renter’s insurance companies, the types of breeds that are not covered or are restricted vary from company to company. The following list of dog breeds are usually mentioned under insurance policies as restricted:

1. Pit Bulls;
2. German Shepherds;
3. Chows;
4. Staffordshire Terriers;
5. Siberian Huskies;
6. Rottweilers; and
7. Any wolf-dog hybrids.

Having any of these dog breeds will put dog owners at risk of having insurance companies exclude dog bite liability from their coverage, pay higher premiums, or possible cancellation of the entire insurance policy. Furthermore, these dog breeds may also be banned by local city ordinances; if it is revealed that the owner has a banned dog breed in a dog bite-related accident, insurance companies will more than likely cancel the policy or refuse to cover the dog bite accident. This is because insurers will not provide coverage for an illegal act.

Do not wait to take action! If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog bite-related accident, do not hesitate to call Jed Dietrich, Esq., at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., for a free consultation. Call us today at 716-839-3939 to find out more about how we can help you! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!

The location of the dog bite-related incident or where the victim resides may affect what actions insurance companies can take for known aggressive dog breeds. On one end, states such as Michigan and Pennsylvania do not allow insurance companies to cancel or deny coverage solely based on the breed of the dog; while at the other end, states like Ohio require owners to take out at least $100,000 of liability insurance if the dog’s breed has been classified as vicious.

However, the state of New York does allow insurers to discriminate on policies and coverages of dogs based on breed. The New York State Department of Financial Services delineates specific dog breeds and overall general aggressive behavior as excusable from insurance policies.

If you, a loved one, or someone you know had to seek medical attention because of a dog-bite related accident, immediately call nationally ranked lawyer Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his team of highly qualified attorneys at 716-839-3939. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. can be reached at any hour and at any time of day to begin a free consultation for your dog bite injury.

To be liable for a dog bite-related claim, New York employs a “One Free Bite” rule, which essentially means an owner will generally not be held responsible for an injury if it is the dog’s first involvement in such an accident. New York does not specifically hold dog owners liable for claims based solely on the dog’s breed, but the victim of a dog bite accident has the burden of proving that the owner knew or should have known that their dog has a propensity to be aggressive and failed to take reasonable measures to restrain the dog. Establishing this could rely heavily on the dog’s breed, as the dog owner should have been aware of the need to restrain their dog or take steps to ensure people are safe around their dog based on its breed.

Once liability is established, the victim is entitled to various types of compensation. The following are examples of the types of damages that may be claimed:

1. Physical Injuries;
2. Pain and Suffering;
3. Emotional Trauma;
4. Medical Costs;
5. Loss of Earning; or
6. Any Out of Pocket Expenses.

From your dog bite accident to receiving your settlement, Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his top rated team at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. will be there fighting to get you the financial compensation you deserve.

As a recognized New York Super Lawyer, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has secured $1,000,000 or more 44 times in personal injury cases. With over 20 years of experience, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has consistently gotten results for his clients, and he has the track record to prove it. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. is a peer-reviewed and nationally acclaimed personal injury law firm that retains some of the nation’s most talented attorneys for your case. Anyone who is suffering injuries from a dog bite could be entitled to financial compensation and should seek the exceptionally competent legal representation that a nationally ranked personal attorney Jed Dietrich, Esq. and the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. can offer.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!