Can You Sue If a Dog Bit Your Child at a Friend’s House?

As a parent your #1 job is to keep your child safe and free from incident. Especially when your child is younger this can be quite challenging. When your son or daughter starts being old enough to go over to their friend’s house without you, you lose a lot of control. This can be a scary time for a parent, especially the first few times it happens, but as you get more and more comfortable with it, the occurrence of visiting a friend’s house may increase.

When you start sending your child to a friend’s house without your supervision you will want to make sure to discuss with her/him the ways they can stay safe when at a friend’s house. Making good choices, avoiding any rough housing and generally being on their best behavior are ways that your child can stay safe. You will also want to mention how your child should behave around any pets, in particular dogs. If your child follows your guidance it is likely they will not be involved in a New Haven dog bite injury, but if they don’t anything is possible.

If this type of incident does occur it is important to know some of your rights as a parent and how that may relate to your son or daughter’s recovery from the incident. If you know your rights you can take a challenging experience and make it into something that will be in the best interest of you and your child.

There are some options available to you and things you should know in the event that your child is involved in a dog bite injury. These include;

Legal Options Exist: Suing is Often Possible. If a dog bites your child at a friend’s, you generally can sue the homeowner. They have a responsibility to keep their property safe for guests, including controlling potentially dangerous pets. This legal avenue helps ensure your child receives compensation for their injuries and related costs.

Invited Guest Status: A Key Legal Point. Your child is usually considered an “invited guest” at a friend’s house. Homeowners owe invited guests a “duty of reasonable care,” which includes warning them about known dangers, like a dog with a bite history. If they failed to warn you or secure a known dangerous dog, it strengthens your claim.

Evidence is Crucial for Your Case. Building a strong case requires thorough evidence. This includes medical records, photos of the injury and scene, witness statements, and any prior history of the dog’s aggressive behavior (if known). Comprehensive documentation is vital for your legal team to effectively represent your child.

It is important to keep all of this relevant information in mind when considering whether or not to take legal action against your child’s friend’s parents. Of course, this carries more then just legal questions, it is also a personal matter, especially if you also have a relationship with the friend’s parents. These can be very difficult decisions to make and you should always attempt to approach them with a level head and an understanding that you are not out to punish anyone for the actions of their dog, but rather to make sure your child is protected and safe both before, during and after the incident of a New Haven dog bite injury.

If an incident does occur and you decide to take legal action you may want to speak with an experienced attorney. Contact our office and one of our attorneys will review your situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.