If my dog bit my roommate’s live-in boyfriend who doesn’t pay rent and I take care of the initial emergency bill, what is my liability to cover any additional costs?
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If my dog bit my roommate’s live-in boyfriend who doesn’t pay rent and I take care of the initial emergency bill, what is my liability to cover any additional costs?
When I was gone, they let the dog out of kennel which I have advised against.
Asked on July 1, 2012 under Personal Injury, Arizona
Answers:
Leigh Anne Timiney / Timiney Law Firm
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Your liability would be to cover any costs associated with damages your roommate's boyfriend suffered as a result of the dog bite. It does not matter if he is paying rent. You are responsible for damages caused by your animal, either on your property or off of your property. I understand you have already paid the emergency room bill. If he has additional medical bills or lost time from work, you would be responsible for those as well. If this gets costly you could consider making a claim with your homeowner's insurance, if you have a policy. The downside to making a claim is the insurance will now likely label your dog as dangerous and this could cause a rise in your premiums, so be aware of that.
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