Originally Posted by
mprelaw
If an owner has awareness of a dog's dangerous propensities, he or she is liable for any damage that dog causes.
Prior knowledge isn't a requirement. And one could argue that "chasing things" (and the possible consequences thereof) is a default prior knowledge (it's basic dog-ownership knowledge). (Though, if there is documented history of prior incidents, it would make your case against the owner stronger.)
Originally Posted by
mprelaw
As far as homeowners insurance goes, YMMV. Some won't cover certain "high risk" breeds, and those dog owners may be self-insuring their dogs.
Just to be clear, the dog owner is still responsible for damages regardless of whether the owner has insurance coverage or not (I'm restating what you are saying)