by Chad D. Yoder, Personal Lines Manager
A burglar breaks into a house to collect the homeowner’s valuables. In the process he meets an aggressive dog that recognizes him as an intruder and defends the owner’s property. After being seriously bitten, the burglar goes to the hospital where he is arrested for breaking and entering. However, upon seeking legal counsel, the burglar sues the homeowner for pain and suffering as a result of being bitten by what he claims is a vicious and ill-tempered dog. The case goes to court and the burglar wins.
Dogs — When the Bite is Worse than the Bark
As twisted as the above scenario seems, the fact remains that dogs are becoming a big deal when it comes to obtaining new homeowner’s insurance. According to the Injury Fact Book, every 40 seconds someone in the United States seeks medical attention for a dog-bite-related injury. Insurance companies have singled out a few breeds in particular that have caused more than their fair share of homeowner liability claims. These breeds include, but are not limited to, Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, and Pit Bulls. Any dog with a bite history, or an aggressive or vicious nature, may put your homeowner’s policy at risk. The reality is that any dog, given the right scenario, may bite someone to defend itself. However, the size, strength, and temperament of a dog will determine how much damage it will inflict on its victim. Please keep these factors in mind when purchasing any family pet.
Trampolines — Know your Policy Before Bouncing
We have a saying in the insurance industry, “The best trampoline is your neighbor’s trampoline.” Trampolines are an inexpensive form of entertainment found in many backyards, or so it seems on the surface. The fact is that most companies are not willing to write a new policy for a homeowner with a trampoline. This is because trampolines are one of the top causes of costly homeowner liability claims. Some companies even surcharge or cancel existing policies if a routine inspection discovers a trampoline on the premises.
In 1996 alone, there were approximately 83,000 emergency room treated injuries associated with the use of trampolines, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Kids under 15 years of age accounted for 85 percent of these emergency room visits. A majority of these injuries were sustained by colliding with another person, doing stunts, landing improperly, falling off, or falling onto the springs or frame. Almost all trampolines associated with these injuries were at private homes.
Before making a trampoline purchase, please call us at 267-384-5300 to determine your insurance company’s position.
Pools — Swimming Safely
I recently learned about a 13-year-old-girl from Ohio who is paralyzed from the neck down as a result of a swimming pool accident. The irresistible lure of diving boards, slides, and other poolside activities, is often a formula for serious injury or even death. One local pool builder does not even offer dive or sliding board installations because of the liability exposures they create.
Follow these safety tips if you own, are building, or purchasing a pool:
- Fence the entire pool area (including above ground pools), even if it is not required by the local building code.
- Always have an adult present when children are near the pool.
- Never leave the pool unattended when it is being used.
- Follow general safety rules, such as no running or no diving, if there isn’t a diving board.
Other Liability Issues to Consider
Some additional liability exposures may include skateboard ramps or rails, bike jumps, dirt bike tracks, zip lines, tree houses, and ponds. Be sure that you, the homeowner, take the necessary precautions to insure your property is safe for others to visit. A liability claim or lawsuit could cost you more than just the loss of your homeowner’s insurance policy.
FIFS Connection, Summer 2005, Vol.2, No.3
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