Who Pays for a Dog Bite? Homeowner’s Insurance & Claims Explained
Illinois has some of the strongest protections for dog bite victims in the country. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16): A dog owner is strictly liable if their dog bites, attacks, or injures someone without provocation, even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
This means you don’t have to prove negligence or that the dog had a history of biting. In most cases, the dog owner is legally responsible—and their insurance policy is your path to compensation.
Homeowner’s insurance typically covers dog bite claims under the liability portion of the policy. This coverage usually includes:
Medical bills
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Psychological trauma
Scarring/disfigurement
What if the bite didn’t happen at their house?
Most homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies cover dog bites that occur off the insured property (like at a park, sidewalk, or another home).
Renter’s Insurance & Dog Bites
If the dog owner is a renter, their renter’s insurance policy may also cover the dog bite. Coverage terms are similar to homeowners insurance.
It is important to note that not all renters have insurance, and some policies exclude certain “dangerous” dog breeds (like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, or Dobermans).
When Insurance Doesn’t Pay
Sometimes, a claim may be denied or underpaid. Common issues include:
The owner didn’t have insurance
The insurance policy excludes dog bites
The claim exceeds the policy’s payout limit
The insurance company offers a low settlement
The insurer claims you provoked the dog or were trespassing
In any of these situations, you may need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover full compensation.
How an Illinois Dog Bite Attorney Can Help
Even though insurance exists, that doesn’t mean they’ll make it easy. An experienced attorney can:
Handle all communication with the insurer
Gather medical records, reports, and witness statements
Calculate full damages (not just bills—but future care, therapy, scarring, etc.)
Negotiate a fair settlement or file a lawsuit if needed
Illinois has a 2-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims—including dog bites. Don’t wait too long to take action.
At Tenenbaum Law Group, we’ve recovered hundreds of thousands for dog bite victims across Illinois. We understand how insurance companies work—and we won’t let them minimize your suffering.