It’s no secret that insurance companies will find loopholes in order to avoid paying out claims – even if they are valid. In Illinois this week, that may be the case with one insurance company has denied a dog bite claim on shaky grounds.

In July, a young girl, Chole Pluger, was bitten by a dog owned by Gary and Sharon Lindstrom of Grundy County. The father of the girl, Matthew Pluger, filed a suit against the Lindstroms. However, the Lindstroms’ insurance company, Illinois Farmers, is claiming that Chole was a member of the household since Chole’s mother and the Lindstroms’ son were living together under the Lindstroms’ roof for several months before the accident took place and for two weeks after the IL dog bite incident.

Because of this specification, Matthew Pluger may not receive damages for his daughter’s Illinois dog bite injuries from the homeowner’s Illinois insurance company.