Cohn & Swartzon, P.C. Give Expert Testimony to ABC News Channel 7

July 27, 2012 - PRLog -- Consumer specialist Ric Romero from ABC Channel 7 interviewed personal injury attorneys Jason Cohn and Saar Swartzon about the legal responsibilities of owning a dog. According to Cohn and Swartzon, in their July 2, 2012 testimony, most dog owners do not think about the potential liabilities they face if their dog attacks another person or pet. Most owners only think that they hold responsibility for their dog while it is on their property.

California liability law outlines that “if your dog bites someone on private property or on public property, you’re essentially automatically liable for the injuries caused by that dog bite,” Cohn said. This concept is under the Civil Code Section 3341, as California is one of the only states with an explicit dog bite statute. This statue is to prevent dogs from being a hazard to the community. Both Cohn and Swartzon recommended to viewers of Eyewitness News that dog owners purchase a policy that will cover dog bites or attacks.

While most owners believe they are covered through homeowner’s insurance, that is not always the case. “You cannot assume that just because you have homeowner’s coverage (you are covered for dog bites),” Swartzon said. “In fact, a lot of homeowner policies exclude coverage for dog bites or certain breeds of dogs.” Breeds that are commonly excluded are considered the more “aggressive” types of dogs and can include pit bulls, Rottweilers, Akitas, and Doberman pinschers.

Some insurance companies offer umbrella policies, or liability coverage that goes beyond the coverage afforded by the regular policy. They generally come in increments of one million dollars and can cover claims from policies underneath it such as auto insurance and homeowner’s insurance. When a dog bites someone and the homeowner’s policy does not cover it, the umbrella policy should.

"What I would really recommend is that you make sure that you talk to your agent, and that you review your policy, and that you make sure your policy actually does have coverage, and coverage for the type of breed that you actually have," Swartzon said.
The legal team at Cohn and Swartzon has over 25 years of combined experience and has been recognized by a number of professional organizations. The firm has received an AV® rating by Martindale-Hubbell® and has been determined to be a Rising Star℠ by Super Lawyers® in 2012.

If you or your loved one has been injured in a preventable accident due to negligence, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation. Cohn & Swartzon are experienced Orange County personal injury lawyers and can handle your case with the aggression and determination your case calls for. The team is a member to the American Association for Justice, the Orange Country Trial Lawyers Association, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. The firm has recently helped an asbestos victim achieve a $36 million dollar verdict. A serious injury can affect individuals and families for years both emotionally and financially. Get the compensation you deserve, with a knowledgeable attorney. To learn more about the firm, call 888.480.3883, or visit their website at http://www.OC-PersonalInjuryLawyer.com. They are proud to offer free consultations.