Dog Bite Demand Letters: Homeowners and Renters Insurance Claims
Dog Bite Demand Letters
Homeowners and renters insurance claims
Dog bite injuries and insurance recovery: When you’re injured by someone else’s dog, homeowners or renters insurance typically covers the owner’s liability. Dog bites can cause severe injuries, permanent scarring, emotional trauma, and fear of animals—especially in children. A well-documented demand letter to the owner’s insurance carrier is often the first step toward fair compensation.
This guide covers how to identify the responsible party and their insurer, what facts matter most in dog bite cases, how to build a compelling demand letter, and what settlement ranges look like based on injury severity and insurance policy limits.
I handle dog bite demand letters personally. This page covers general U.S. law. If your injury occurred in California, I have California-specific guidance addressing Civil Code § 3342’s strict liability statute.
Dog bite liability theories
Dog bite liability varies by state. Most states use one of three frameworks to determine whether a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog.
Strict liability dog bite statutes
Many states have strict liability statutes that hold dog owners liable if their dog bites someone, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of aggression. Under strict liability:
- Owner is liable even if dog never bit anyone before
- Owner doesn’t need to have known the dog was dangerous
- Victim must prove: (1) dog bit them, (2) owner owned the dog, (3) victim was lawfully where the bite occurred
- Common defenses: provocation, trespassing, assumption of risk
Strict liability states include: California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and many others. Check your state’s dog bite statute to confirm.
Common-law negligence (“one bite rule” states)
In states without strict liability statutes, dog bite claims are based on negligence. The victim must prove the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous propensities. This is often called the “one bite rule” because prior aggression is usually required:
- Owner knew dog previously bit, lunged, growled, or showed aggression
- Owner received complaints about dog’s behavior from neighbors or animal control
- Breed reputation alone is typically insufficient without specific knowledge of this dog’s danger
- Owner failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling known dangerous dog (leash, fence, muzzle)
One bite rule states include: Texas, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina. Even in these states, first-time bites can create liability if owner should have known of danger based on prior aggressive behavior.
Negligence per se: Leash and containment laws
In both strict liability and negligence states, violating local leash, containment, or licensing ordinances can establish negligence per se:
- Dog was off-leash in area requiring leashes
- Dog escaped from inadequate fencing
- Dog was unlicensed or unvaccinated
- Owner violated dangerous dog registration requirements
| Liability Theory | What You Must Prove | Key Defenses |
|---|---|---|
| Strict Liability Statute | Dog bit you, owner owned dog, you were lawfully present | Provocation, trespassing, assumption of risk (vet, groomer, dog walker) |
| Negligence (One Bite Rule) | Owner knew or should have known dog was dangerous; owner failed to control dog | No prior aggression, owner had no reason to know of danger, victim’s own negligence |
| Negligence Per Se | Owner violated leash/containment law; violation caused injury | Ordinance doesn’t apply to this situation, violation didn’t cause injury |
Common defenses to dog bite claims
Dog owners and their insurers typically raise these defenses:
Provocation
Victim teased, hit, pulled tail, entered dog’s space repeatedly, or otherwise provoked attack. Reduces or bars recovery in most states.
Trespassing
Victim was illegally on owner’s property (burglar, trespasser). Most statutes protect only lawful visitors.
Assumption of risk
Victim voluntarily accepted risk (vet, groomer, dog trainer, kennel worker). Some statutes exclude occupational exposure.
No prior knowledge
In negligence states, owner had no reason to know dog was dangerous (no prior bites, no complaints, first incident).
Comparative negligence
Victim ignored “Beware of Dog” signs, approached chained dog, or acted carelessly. Reduces recovery proportionally.
Wrong dog / wrong owner
Dispute over which dog bit victim or who owned/controlled the dog. Requires identification evidence.
Anticipate defenses in your demand letter: If owner may claim provocation, address it head-on with witness statements showing victim did not tease or provoke. If victim is a child, emphasize children’s limited ability to understand canine behavior.
Who to send the demand letter to
Dog bite claims are typically covered by the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance. Identifying the owner and their insurer is the first step.
Identifying the dog owner
1
Get owner’s contact information at scene
If possible, obtain owner’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information immediately after the bite. Take photos of dog, owner, and location.
2
Contact animal control
Report bite to local animal control or police. They will investigate, identify owner, and create official report. Request copy of report for your records.
3
Check property records if bite occurred at residence
If bite occurred at owner’s home and you don’t have contact info, use county property records to identify homeowner.
4
Determine landlord involvement (if applicable)
If bite occurred at rental property and landlord knew dog was dangerous but failed to act, landlord may share liability. Send demand to both tenant (dog owner) and landlord.
Finding the insurance carrier
Homeowners insurance
If owner owns their home, they likely have homeowners insurance covering liability for dog bites (typically $100K-$500K coverage).
Renters insurance
If owner rents, they may have renters insurance (liability coverage typically $100K-$300K). Some renters policies exclude certain dog breeds.
Landlord insurance
If landlord knew dog was dangerous and failed to evict or require removal, landlord’s liability policy may cover your claim.
Business insurance
If bite occurred at groomer, kennel, vet, or dog daycare, business’s CGL policy may cover. Determine whether business or customer owned the dog.
How to obtain insurance information
- Ask owner directly: Request insurance carrier name and policy number. Most owners will provide this to avoid personal liability.
- Send letter to owner: If owner won’t provide insurance info, send demand letter to owner’s home address requesting they forward to their insurer and provide insurer contact information within 10 days.
- Use attorney subpoena: If owner refuses to cooperate, attorney can subpoena insurance records or file suit and use discovery to identify carrier.
- Check with animal control: Some jurisdictions require proof of liability insurance for dangerous dog registration; animal control may have insurer on file.
Send demand to owner and insurer: When possible, send demand letter to both dog owner (via certified mail) and directly to their insurance carrier’s claim office. This ensures notice to both parties and speeds up response.
Breed exclusions: Some homeowners and renters policies exclude coverage for certain dog breeds (pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds). If owner’s policy excludes their dog’s breed, owner may be personally liable with no insurance coverage. Consult an attorney before settling if policy exclusions may apply.
Building your dog bite demand letter
Demand letter structure
1
Header & identification
Your name, address, date of incident, dog owner’s name, location of bite, animal control report number (if available).
2
Incident narrative
Detailed description: where were you, what were you doing, how did encounter occur, what did dog do, your immediate reaction and injuries. Include whether you provoked or threatened dog (answer is no).
3
Liability under state law
Cite your state’s dog bite statute (strict liability) or explain negligence theory (prior knowledge of danger, failure to leash/contain). Include any leash law violations.
4
Dog’s history and owner’s knowledge
Document prior bites, aggressive incidents, animal control complaints, “Beware of Dog” signs (admits owner knew of danger). In strict liability states, prior history strengthens claim even if not legally required.
5
Injuries and medical treatment
Describe bite location (face, hand, leg), depth and severity, immediate treatment (ER, urgent care), surgeries, scarring, infection, rabies treatment, ongoing care needs.
6
Emotional and psychological impact
Fear of dogs, nightmares, PTSD symptoms, avoidance of outdoor activities, impact on child’s development and social interaction. Dog bite trauma is real and compensable.
7
Economic damages
Medical bills (ER, specialists, surgery, therapy), lost wages, out-of-pocket costs, future medical care (scar revision, additional surgery, ongoing therapy).
8
Non-economic damages
Pain-and-suffering, permanent scarring (especially face, neck, hands), disfigurement, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life.
9
Settlement demand and deadline
State your demand amount, give 30-day deadline, note you are prepared to file suit if no reasonable settlement. Include statement that owner’s insurance should cover this claim.
10
Attachments
Animal control report, medical records and bills, photos of injuries (immediate and healing), scar photos, psychological treatment records, wage loss documentation, witness statements.
Special emphasis on scarring: Dog bites often leave permanent visible scars. Include multiple photos showing scar progression, obtain plastic surgeon’s opinion on scar revision costs, and emphasize impact on victim’s appearance, self-esteem, and professional life (especially public-facing jobs).
What facts matter most in dog bite cases
Location of bite
Public sidewalk, park, owner’s yard, or inside home? Were you lawfully present? Invited guest, mail carrier, delivery driver?
Body part bitten
Face/neck (highest value due to scarring), hands (functional impact), legs/arms, torso. Multiple bites increase damages.
Severity of injury
Surface punctures vs deep lacerations, tissue damage, nerve damage, infection, rabies treatment, surgery, permanent scarring.
Dog’s history
Prior bites, lunges, growls, complaints to owner, animal control reports, dangerous dog designation, “Beware of Dog” signage.
Victim’s age
Children = higher damages due to vulnerability, long-term emotional impact, permanent scarring affecting entire life, and jury sympathy.
Provocation (or lack thereof)
Did you tease, hit, approach sleeping/eating dog, enter dog’s territory? Witness statements confirming no provocation are critical.
Evidence and documentation
Immediate aftermath evidence
- Photos of injuries: Take photos immediately after bite and throughout healing process. Document puncture wounds, lacerations, bruising, swelling, infection, and final scarring.
- Photos of dog: Photograph dog (safely, from distance if needed) to document breed, size, and temperament. Video of aggressive behavior is valuable.
- Photos of scene: Location where bite occurred, fencing (or lack thereof), “Beware of Dog” signs, leash violations.
- Witness contact information: Names and contact info for anyone who saw bite, saw dog loose/unleashed, or knows dog’s history.
- Animal control report: Report bite to animal control immediately. Request copy of their investigation report, which may document prior complaints, vaccination status, and quarantine orders.
Medical documentation
- Emergency treatment records: ER or urgent care notes, wound cleaning, suturing, antibiotics, tetanus shot, rabies prophylaxis.
- Specialist records: Plastic surgeon, infectious disease specialist, hand surgeon (for severe hand bites), orthopedist (if bone/joint damage).
- Psychological treatment: Therapy records documenting PTSD, anxiety, fear of dogs, nightmares, sleep disturbances (especially children).
- Scar documentation: Plastic surgeon’s evaluation of scarring, prognosis for improvement, cost estimates for scar revision surgery.
- Future care needs: Estimates for additional surgeries, ongoing therapy, scar treatments (laser, steroid injections).
Dog’s history evidence
Prior bite reports
Animal control records, police reports, prior victim statements, insurance claims history.
Neighbor complaints
Statements from neighbors who complained about dog’s aggression, barking, lunging at fence, escaping yard.
Dangerous dog designation
Official dangerous dog classification by animal control, special registration requirements, muzzling orders.
“Beware of Dog” signs
Photos of warning signs (proves owner knew dog was dangerous). In strict liability states, signs don’t absolve liability but prove knowledge.
Owner communications
Emails, texts, or social media posts where owner discussed dog’s aggression, prior incidents, or warnings to stay away from dog.
Veterinary records
Vet notes describing dog’s temperament, aggression warnings, bite incident history, behavioral recommendations.
Document scarring over time: Dog bite scars evolve for 12-24 months. Take monthly photos showing scar progression. This documentation is critical for proving permanent scarring and justifying scar revision costs in your settlement demand.
Special considerations for children
Dog bite cases involving child victims require extra attention to long-term impact:
- Provocation defense: Children have limited ability to understand canine behavior. Emphasize child’s age, innocence, and inability to appreciate risk.
- Lifetime scarring: Facial scars will affect child throughout their life—school, dating, career, self-image. Document expected growth and how scars may worsen or require revision as child grows.
- Psychological impact: Children often develop severe fear of dogs, nightmares, regression in behavior, school anxiety. Emphasize need for ongoing therapy.
- Jury appeal: Insurers know child victims generate high jury verdicts. Use this leverage in settlement negotiations.
Higher settlements for child victims: Homeowners carriers typically settle children’s dog bite cases more readily and for higher amounts due to strong jury appeal and long-term scarring impact. Document psychological harm and future care needs extensively.
Settlement ranges and valuation factors
Factors affecting settlement value
Injury severity
Surface bites with minimal scarring: $5K-$25K. Deep lacerations requiring surgery: $25K-$100K. Permanent facial scarring, nerve damage: $100K-$500K+.
Victim age and impact
Children and young adults: higher value due to lifetime scarring impact. Public-facing professions (sales, hospitality): higher value for visible scars.
Policy limits
Homeowners/renters policies commonly have $100K, $300K, or $500K limits. Severe cases may demand full policy limits.
Liability strength
Strict liability statute + no provocation = high value. Negligence state + first-time bite + possible provocation = lower value.
Venue
Urban, plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions produce higher verdicts. Rural, conservative areas tend to be more defense-friendly.
Dog’s history
Prior bites, dangerous dog classification, complaints = higher value. First-time incident with friendly dog = lower value.
Typical settlement ranges by injury type
| Injury Type | Treatment | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Minor puncture wounds, no scarring | ER visit, antibiotics, tetanus | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Lacerations requiring sutures | ER, suturing, minimal scarring on arms/legs | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Deep bites requiring surgery | Surgery, wound debridement, plastic repair, visible scarring | $40,000 – $100,000 |
| Facial bites with permanent scarring | Multiple surgeries, scar revision, permanent disfigurement | $100,000 – $300,000+ |
| Severe facial injuries (children) | Reconstructive surgery, ongoing revisions, significant scarring, psychological trauma | $250,000 – $500,000+ (often policy limits) |
| Nerve damage, amputation, catastrophic injury | Loss of function, permanent disability, multiple surgeries | $500,000+ (policy limits or excess verdict) |
Policy limits demands: If injuries clearly exceed typical settlement ranges (severe facial scarring in child, permanent disability, catastrophic injuries), consider demanding full policy limits with reasonable deadline. This sets up insurer for bad faith liability if they reject and you win more at trial.
Settlement timeline
1
Demand to initial response: 2-4 weeks
Insurer acknowledges demand, requests additional documentation (medical records, animal control report, photos).
2
Investigation: 30-60 days
Adjuster reviews medical records, interviews owner and witnesses, checks dog’s history with animal control, evaluates liability and damages.
3
First offer: 2-3 months
Initial offer typically lowball (30-50% of demand). Test your willingness to litigate.
4
Negotiation: 3-6 months total
Multiple rounds of demands and offers. Homeowners carriers often settle dog bites pre-suit to avoid bad optics and jury sympathy for victims.
5
Litigation if no settlement: 12-24 months
File lawsuit, discovery, depositions, mediation. Most dog bite cases settle at mediation after owner and insurer see strength of evidence.
Wait for maximum medical improvement: Do not settle until scarring has stabilized (12-24 months post-injury) and plastic surgeon has provided final opinion on permanency and revision costs. Settling too early undervalues permanent scarring.
How I handle dog bite demand letters
I personally draft and negotiate dog bite demand letters for victims injured by dogs and other animals. These cases require careful documentation of scarring, psychological impact, and dog’s history to maximize recovery from homeowners and renters insurance.
Services for dog bite victims
Insurance identification
I locate dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance carrier, verify coverage, and identify policy limits.
Evidence gathering & dog history
I obtain animal control reports, prior bite records, neighbor statements, and documentation of dog’s dangerous propensities.
Demand letter drafting
I prepare comprehensive demands addressing liability under state law, dog’s history, scarring impact, psychological trauma, and economic/non-economic damages.
Medical documentation & scar valuation
I coordinate with plastic surgeons to document scarring, obtain scar revision cost estimates, and establish permanency for settlement valuation.
Settlement negotiation
I negotiate with homeowners carriers, using scar documentation, psychological impact, and jury appeal (especially children) to drive favorable settlements.
Litigation representation
If settlement fails, I file suit, conduct discovery on dog’s history, depose owner and witnesses, and represent you through mediation or trial.
Injured by a dog or animal attack?
I handle dog bite demand letters and animal attack claims personally.
Email: owner@terms.law
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your state’s law:
Strict liability states: Yes. In states with strict liability dog bite statutes (California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and others), the owner is liable even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and the owner had no knowledge of aggression.
Negligence (“one bite rule”) states: Maybe. In states that require negligence (Texas, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina), you must prove the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. However, prior aggression can include:
- Growling, lunging, or snapping at people
- Aggressive behavior toward other animals
- Owner received complaints from neighbors or animal control
- Owner kept “Beware of Dog” signs (suggests knowledge of danger)
Even in one-bite states, first-time bites can create liability if there’s evidence of prior aggressive behavior.
Usually, yes. Most homeowners and renters insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bites, typically with limits of $100,000 to $500,000.
Exceptions and limitations:
- Breed exclusions: Some policies exclude coverage for certain breeds (pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds). If dog’s breed is excluded, owner may be personally liable with no insurance.
- Prior bite history: If dog has bitten before and owner reported prior claim to insurance, carrier may have non-renewed policy or added dog exclusion.
- Business use: Homeowners policies typically exclude commercial dog activities (breeding, grooming, boarding). Commercial activities require separate business insurance.
How to verify coverage: Send demand letter to both dog owner and their insurer (if known). Owner is obligated to tender claim to their insurer. If insurer denies coverage, you may need to pursue owner personally or challenge coverage denial.
You likely have a strong claim. In most states (both strict liability and negligence), you have a claim if:
- You were on public property (sidewalk, street, park) or in a public right-of-way
- Dog escaped from owner’s yard or was off-leash in violation of leash laws
- You were lawfully where you had a right to be
Key evidence to gather:
- Photos showing inadequate fencing, broken gate, or open gate
- Leash law ordinances requiring dogs to be leashed or contained
- Witness statements that dog frequently escapes or roams loose
- Prior complaints to animal control about dog being loose
The fact that you were on public property and not on owner’s private property actually strengthens your claim—you were clearly lawfully present and not trespassing.
Yes, but you must first identify the dog owner. Without a defendant, you cannot pursue a claim.
Steps to identify owner:
- Report to animal control immediately: Animal control will investigate, search for dog based on your description, and check for licensing records. They may be able to identify owner through dog license database.
- Check for witnesses: Other park visitors may know the dog or owner, or may have seen owner’s vehicle.
- Post on social media: Local neighborhood groups, Nextdoor, park user groups may help identify dog/owner.
- Return to park at same time: Dog owners often visit parks on regular schedules. You or investigator may encounter owner again.
- Check surveillance cameras: Some parks have cameras; nearby businesses may have captured owner arriving/leaving with dog.
If you can identify even partial information (dog’s appearance, owner’s general description, vehicle make/model), animal control may be able to locate owner. Don’t give up—many hit-and-run dog bite cases are successfully resolved after investigation.
Economic damages:
- Emergency room and medical treatment costs
- Surgery and plastic surgery (wound repair, scar revision)
- Medications (antibiotics, pain medication, rabies prophylaxis)
- Future medical care (additional surgeries, scar treatments, ongoing therapy)
- Lost wages from missed work
- Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation to medical appointments, scar treatment products)
Non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering from the attack and injuries
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement (especially face, neck, hands, arms)
- Emotional distress, PTSD, fear of dogs
- Loss of enjoyment of life (avoiding outdoor activities, parks, social situations)
- Impact on self-esteem and professional opportunities (visible scars in public-facing jobs)
Special considerations for permanent scarring: Dog bite scars, especially on visible areas like face and hands, can significantly increase settlement value. Document scarring extensively with photos, obtain plastic surgeon’s evaluation, and emphasize lifetime impact on appearance and self-image.
Statute of limitations for dog bite claims varies by state:
- 2 years: California, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and many others
- 3 years: New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio
- 4-6 years: Some states allow longer periods
The clock starts on the date of the dog bite. If you miss the deadline, your claim is permanently barred.
Special rules for children: Many states toll (pause) the statute of limitations for minor children until they reach age 18. Check your state’s law for specific rules.
Don’t wait to settle: While the statute of limitations gives you time to file a lawsuit, it’s often better to send a demand letter within 6-12 months after maximum medical improvement. Waiting too long can result in lost evidence, faded memories, and difficulty negotiating with insurers.