Dog Bit Housemate in My Home—Can I Get Medical Expenses Covered?
I had a dog in my house for a month that I was caring for (she was not legally adopted). I was informed that she had previously bitten someone on the ankle, but I wasn’t sure if it had been reported. I added the dog to my renter’s insurance but mistakenly stated that she had no bite history.
Unfortunately, she ended up biting my housemate on the ear. My housemate had to take an ambulance to the hospital, received stitches, and suffered some damage to her ear. Although she’s not planning to sue me, she has asked me to cover all her medical costs that her insurance won’t take care of, which might include potential ear reconstruction. I want to take responsibility and help her, but I’m concerned about whether I can afford all the expenses out of my savings.
Will my renter’s insurance cover any of these costs? I really want to avoid legal issues and don’t want to involve the dog’s trainers since I technically misrepresented her bite history on the insurance application. I just want to do right by everyone involved. For context, my housemates were aware of the dog’s past and consented to having her in the house.
It sounds like you’re in a difficult situation, and it’s commendable that you want to take responsibility. Here are a few steps you can consider:
Check Your Renter’s Insurance Policy: Review your renter’s insurance policy to see if it covers dog bites. Many policies include liability coverage for dog bites, but this can vary based on specific terms and conditions. It’s also important to see if there are any exclusions for dogs with known bite histories.
Communicate with Your Housemate: Since you mentioned that your housemate is not interested in suing, maintain open communication with her. You could discuss how to handle the medical bills together and whether she would be comfortable working with your insurance.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Reach out to your renter’s insurance company to explain the situation. Be honest about the dog’s history and see if they can provide any assistance with the medical costs. They might not cover everything, especially if there was a misrepresentation, but it’s worth asking.
Consider Payment Plans: If your housemate’s medical costs are significant, consider discussing a payment plan that works for both of you. This could help ease some financial pressure while you figure out your options.
Seek Legal Advice: Given the complexities surrounding liability and insurance, consulting with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury or rental laws may help clarify your responsibilities and options. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Explore Other Options: If insurance doesn’t cover the full amount, consider whether you could work out a settlement with your housemate. This could involve negotiation on the total amount owed.
Taking proactive steps to resolve the issue and support your housemate is the best approach. It’s important to protect yourself legally while also being considerate of her situation.