Nobody wants to get involved in a lawsuit, but a dog bite can leave you with serious physical injuries and major financial difficulties due to lost wages and medical bills.
If the owner of the dog that bit you happens to be a homeowner, you may be able to press a claim through their homeowner’s insurance. If the owner happens to be a renter, however, they may not have the resources to cover your damages.
Is there a way to hold the dog owner’s landlord liable, instead? Maybe.
When can you sue a landlord for your injuries?
The circumstances in which you can hold a landlord accountable for your injuries are limited. If you can prove that a landlord was aware that a tenant’s dog was aggressive and the landlord still failed to take measures to remove it from their property, you may have a case.
You may also be able to sue a landlord for an animal bite if they took an ownership role over the tenant’s pet before it attacked you. If they walked or fed it, for example, then they may be at least partially financially responsible for any harm the pet causes.
When can’t you sue a landlord for your injuries?
Suing the dog owner’s landlord may not be possible is a judge previously entered a ruling denying a request to the pet’s removal from the premises. You may also be unable to sue a landlord for any injuries you suffer if you reside in a community where municipal codes prohibit a landlord from removing a pet from a tenant’s rental.
What to do if a dog bites you on someone else’s premises
One of the most challenging aspects of filing a dog bite or any premises liability case is sorting out liability. A personal injury attorney can help you identify a San Antonio property owner and whether they have insurance. Your lawyer can then help you determine whether you can sue a landlord for negligence.