I was dog-sitting for a peripheral friend (staying in their house in exchange for taking care of the dog while they were on sabbatical) and was bitten badly by the dog. After an ER visit, I was admitted to the hospital for 2 nights and needed many rounds of IV antibiotics, imaging, consults with hand surgery, etc. After the bite while looking for the dog’s vaccine records, I found the dog’s shelter paperwork that showed that it failed 2 of its temperament tests, but I wasn’t informed of any reactive/aggressive tendencies whatsoever.
I’ve asked the owner several times for their homeowner’s insurance info so I can open a claim. They’re refusing, saying they’ll “decide” whether to make a claim after their vacation and that I should send them my bills first so they can consider paying out of pocket. They’re pretty hostile, and the owner is a retired lawyer.
My questions:
- Can I force them to provide their insurance info?
- What’s the best way to protect myself if they’re stalling like this?
- Is it risky to let them try to pay out of pocket?
- Should I just file in small claims at this point?
Thanks!
Location: Washington DC
Comments
If they pay what you consider fair, then great. You cannot force them to provide the insurance info. If they won’t pay what you consider fair and won’t provide the insurance info, then at that point small claims is your only option unless the injuries are enough for a lawyer.
Its not stalling for them to want to see the medical bills. That is a logical request. And waiting until after they get back from vacation is logical too.