Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

My daughter lives in our house as a renter. Her dog bit someone and there is a claim pending on the dog. Our homeowner insurance dropped us and we got new homeowner's insurance, but it does not cover the dog. She is in the process of buying dog liability insurance. What amount of insurance should she carry and if her dog bites someone else and the amount of insurance is not enough can we as her parents be sued? Thank you for your help.


Asked on 3/31/10, 1:19 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

If your dog bites someone again, no amount of insurance will help, because now you will be sued for punitive damages because the first incident should have put you on notice about the dog's vicious nature. (At least that's what the victim's lawyer will say.) Insurance won't cover punitive damages. The dog-liability insurance application is going to ask about the previous bite and claim history of this dog, and I would be surprised if the insurance will be affordable or even offered to you at all.

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Answered on 4/05/10, 1:34 pm


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