Bitten by a Dog at a Friend’s House — Can I Sue?
Yes, you can generally pursue compensation if you’re bitten by a dog at a friend’s house or someone else’s property. In Texas, the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy often covers injuries caused by pets on the property, even if it didn’t happen at your own home. The tricky part is usually finding the insurance information, because unlike car accidents, people don’t always exchange it voluntarily at the scene. Sometimes you may need to ask directly, have your attorney request it formally, or in some cases, file a lawsuit to obtain it.
Do You Need a Prior Bite to File a Claim?
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a prior bite to succeed in a dog bite or dog aggression case. The “one bite rule” applies under strict liability, which generally requires a prior history of aggression. In those cases:
The dog had a prior history of aggression
The dog caused an injury
The only remaining question for the jury is the extent of damages
Even if the dog has no history of prior bites, you can still pursue a case under traditional negligence theories of liability. This means showing that the owner failed to act reasonably to prevent the injury. Examples include:
Leaving the dog unsecured in a yard
Failing to close gates or doors
Allowing the dog to roam freely
Ignoring repeated aggressive behavior, like jumping, lunging, or barking at people
Negligence claims focus on the owner’s failure to prevent harm, not the dog’s prior actions. This opens the door for compensation even if strict liability doesn’t apply.
Other Locations Where a Dog Bite Case Can Apply
It’s important to understand that dog bite claims are not limited to the owner’s home. You may have a claim if you were bitten:
At a friend’s or relative’s house – Covered under the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
In a public park – The dog owner’s liability may still apply, particularly if they failed to leash or control the dog.
At a neighbor’s property – Insurance may cover injuries caused by pets on their property, even if you’re just visiting.
While dog-sitting – If you were caring for the dog and it bites, coverage could depend on the owner’s policy or your own liability.
In each situation, it’s important to document the incident, including photos, medical records, and witness statements. Your attorney can help gather evidence to prove either strict liability or negligence, depending on the circumstances.
How Prior Aggression Can Impact Your Case
Even without a prior bite, evidence of prior aggressive behavior can strengthen your case. Texas courts have recognized that patterns such as:
Jumping on people repeatedly
Charging or lunging at visitors
Continuous threatening behavior
…can sometimes be used to establish strict liability. These behaviors show that the owner knew or should have known the dog could cause harm, which is critical for building a strong claim.
Why You Need an Attorney
Dog bite claims, especially those without prior bites or outside the owner’s home, can be complex. An experienced attorney can:
Identify the correct insurance policy
Gather evidence of owner negligence or prior aggression
Maximize the compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Navigate the process if you need to file a lawsuit to obtain insurance information
Even if the dog has no history of prior bites, a knowledgeable lawyer can pursue compensation under negligence, and sometimes even strict liability depending on the circumstances.
