Navigating Insurance Maze: A Practical Guide
When you’re dealing with the stress and pain of a dog bite injury, the last thing you want to do is navigate the confusing world of insurance claims. But understanding how this process works is the key to getting fair compensation for your injuries.
Let’s start with the most important piece of information: in most dog bite cases, the claim is paid by the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. These policies almost always include liability coverage for incidents that happen on their property or are caused by members of their household—including their pets. This means you are typically dealing with a large insurance company, not asking the dog owner to pay you directly.
This guide will give you some practical, real-world tips for handling the insurance claim process.
Step-by-Step: Opening a Claim
- Get the Insurance Information: The first step is to politely ask the dog owner for their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance information. If they are cooperative, ask for the name of their insurance company and their policy number.
- Notify the Insurance Company: You (or an attorney on your behalf) will need to contact the insurance company to formally open a claim. You will provide the basic facts of the incident: who was involved, where and when it happened, and that you are seeking medical treatment.
- The Role of the Insurance Adjuster: The insurance company will assign a professional called an “adjuster” to your case. The adjuster’s job is to investigate the claim on behalf of the insurance company. They will want to speak with you, gather documents, and ultimately, try to settle the claim for the lowest amount possible.
Dealing with the Insurance Adjuster: Your Dos and Don’ts
Your conversations with the insurance adjuster are incredibly important. Remember, they are friendly and professional, but they work for the insurance company, not for you.
DO:
- DO Be Truthful: Always be honest about the facts of the incident and the nature of your injuries.
- DO Keep It Brief: In your initial conversations, stick to the basic facts. You are not obligated to provide every single detail of your life story.
- DO Keep Records: Take notes during every phone call. Write down the adjuster’s name, the date you spoke, and a summary of what you discussed.
- DO Provide Documentation: Be prepared to provide copies (never the originals!) of your medical records, bills, and photos of your injuries.
DON’T:
- DON’T Give a Recorded Statement: Adjusters will often ask to take a recorded statement very early on. You are not required to do this. It’s often best to politely decline until you have had a chance to fully understand your rights and the extent of your injuries. They can use your own words against you later.
- DON’T Accept the First Offer: The first offer is almost always a “lowball” offer, made quickly to see if you will accept it and go away. It rarely reflects the true value of your claim.
- DON’T Sign Anything Without Understanding It: Never sign a medical authorization or a final release form until you are absolutely sure you understand what you are signing. A final release form ends your claim forever, even if you discover you need more medical treatment later.
- DON’T Minimize Your Injuries: Don’t say “I’m fine” or “It’s not that bad.” Be honest about your pain and the impact the injury is having on your life.
What If the Dog Owner is Uninsured?
This is a more difficult situation. If the owner has no insurance, your options may include filing a lawsuit directly against the owner to try and collect from their personal assets. This can be a challenging process, and it’s a scenario where consulting with a legal professional is highly recommended.
Our Final Thought:
The insurance process is designed to be complex. By being prepared, staying organized, and knowing these basic dos and don’ts, you can protect your rights and work toward a fair outcome.
Disclaimer:
This guide provides general information and tips. It is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Every insurance claim is different, and we strongly recommend speaking with a qualified attorney to understand your best course of action.