As a landlord, I was stunned to hear the news last week of an opinion issued by the Kentucky Supreme Court, which stated that landlords could be held liable if their tenants’ dog bites someone. Now, instead of simply weighing the usual wear-and-tear costs associated with allowing dogs in rental units, landlords will need to determine whether renting to dog owners could put their very livelihood at stake. Jeffrey Greenberger, attorney for the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association, responded to the opinion by calling it “scary.” He added he “knows of no other case where the landlord is treated as though he owns the tenant's pet.”
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text] My grandfather was an Air Force helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War, flying the Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low—more commonly known as the “Super Jolly Green Giant.”  He would pick up wounded soldiers and transport them to medical bases, which routinely put him in dangerous situations. My brothers and I used to sit around his chair and listen to him tell stories about flying, and loved hearing him talk about the logistics of flying helicopters.
[vc_row css_animation="" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" angled_section="no" text_align="left" background_image_as_pattern="without_pattern"][vc_column][vc_column_text] If you think about it, animals share a common trait with cars, boats, and houses—when tragedy strikes a lack of liability insurance in these areas can be life-altering. And not in the "I won $27.3 million in the lottery" way.  Rather, the "I need lawsuit protection so I don't lose everything I own" type of way.
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  Even a small dog bite can be an ouch!  Dog bites account for approximately 360,000 emergency room visits per year. Victims more often than not file lawsuits seeking for payment of medical bills, loss of income, and compensation for pain and suffering. Dog bites are the biggest cause of homeowner’s insurance claims and some are limiting or eliminating the coverage altogether.  If you are the loving owner of a dog that is not covered by your homeowner’s insurance, you might want to invest in a policy that will protect you and your beloved pet from liability situations. Even a nip could leave you vulnerable to a lawsuit. XINSURANCE will provide coverage no matter what the dog breed.  In many cases there are state, local and county ordinances that require pet owners, homeowners, renters, and even landlords to have animal liability insurance coverage in place. Owning a pet can be an extremely rewarding experience but it also brings a certain amount of responsibility and risk no matter the breed or the temperament of your dog. Becoming informed on your homeowner’s policy and what additional coverage you may need is a good way to ensure peace of mind and stay out of the doghouse for good.