The dog’s owner is almost always the primary party held responsible. In many states, specific “dog bite statutes” make the owner automatically liable if their dog injures someone, regardless of the animal’s past behavior. Even in states without such laws, the owner can be held liable if they were negligent, such as by letting a dangerous dog run loose. In some cases, a property landlord or a dog keeper (like a walker or sitter) could also share responsibility if their actions contributed to the incident.

If you are sued, your insurance company has a “duty to defend” you. They will appoint and pay for a lawyer to represent your interests in court. This legal team handles all aspects of the lawsuit, from filing responses and conducting discovery to negotiating with the claimant’s attorney. The insurer manages the strategy with the goal of either dismissing the case or settling it for a reasonable amount, all without you paying out-of-pocket for this legal defense, which is a key benefit of liability coverage.

You need a lawyer when facing a complex situation where significant money, your rights, or your future are at stake. This includes severe injuries, disputed fault, or dealing with a large corporation or insurance company. If the other party has a lawyer, you absolutely need one. Lawyers navigate legal procedures, evidence rules, and negotiation tactics that are nearly impossible to handle alone. They objectively assess your claim’s true value and fight to protect you from being pressured into an unfair settlement.