Dog Bite Laws in Texas: What You Need to Know About Your Rights and Compensation
Dog bites can be traumatic, leaving physical and emotional scars. Even minor bites might lead to infections that need medical attention. If you or a loved one suffers from a dog attack in Texas, it is essential to know your legal rights.
This becomes even more difficult as many dog owners are often convinced that their dogs would never attack, to begin with. The best way to combat this is with an understanding of Texas dog bite laws and the legal framework behind them.
As you prepare to file your personal injury petition, note that the information outlined below can be particularly beneficial to your case.
Texas Dog Bite Laws
Texas has laws pertaining to dog bites and the situations where dog owners can be held accountable for the behavior of said pet. Understanding these laws is crucial to an effective case.
Texas, in general, follows the “one bite rule,” which states that a dog’s owner cannot be held accountable if the dog has no history of biting or attacks in the past. This, however, will change if the Court believes that the owner was aware or should have been aware of the dog’s propensity to be violent.
If you are unable to prove the dog owner was negligent, you can still attempt to prove the dog owner should have been aware by showing the owner should have been aware of the dog’s violent propensities. This can be a very complicated process, but made much more simple if you hire an attorney that specializes in Texas dog bite laws.
Actions to Take after Suffering a Dog Bite in Texas
It is necessary to follow certain steps after a dog bite incident in Texas. The first thing to do is seek medical attention for the injuries even if you think they are minor. The medical report becomes evidence later.
Next, the incident should be reported to local animal control or law enforcement to create an official record. “It is vital to gather as much information as possible, including the dog owner’s details, photos of your injuries, and witness contacts, if available,” advises dog bite lawyer Carlos Saldana of KGS Law PLLC.
Evidence should be documented and the Texas dog bite laws should be researched, and a personal injury attorney should be contacted in order to receive proper compensation for the incident.
Evidence for Liability in A Dog Bite Incident
In order to prove liability in a dog bite incident the negligence of the owner either in containing their dog, or the owner personally knows their dog is dangerous must be established. Evidence must be collected in order to strengthen this claim.
Evidence may consist of photos of your injuries and a medical report to show the incident and how it has impacted you. Witnesses to the incident may also testify to help your case.
Your report to law enforcement and animal control must also be documented, along with objective records, contact information and anything else related to the personnel involved in the report. The more evidence collected the stronger your case is.
How to Work with an Attorney on Your Personal Injury Claim
The effects of a dog bite attack in Texas may include medical costs, old and future drug costs, and administration of first aid treatment. Under the circumstances of lost wages because of missed days at work, you also have a right to claim that. Victims also may claim payment for the physical and psychological discomfort caused by the attack.
If you can prove that the dog owner was careless, you may win a claim for the loss or damage of personal possessions, for instance, damage to your clothing or if your phone was broken. In some personal injury lawsuits, courts may order the defendant to pay you a large sum of money as a punishment for negligence.
Types of Compensation for Injuries from Dog Bites
The victims of dog bites in Texas are eligible to recover several types of compensation depending on the nature of the bite. This includes the medical bills from the first response, medications, and the expected future costs of treatment for the injury.
Compensation for closed days from work due to injuries sustained from a dog bite attack is also possible. So is the claim for emotional suffering caused by the incident. In addition to this, compensation may also be given for damaged property such as broken phones and torn clothes.
Conclusion
Dog bites are downright scary and can really throw you for a loop. If you find yourself nursing a bite in Texas, it is super important to know that you are not just stuck with those bills or the nightmares. Getting compensated for your injuries and emotional stress is totally within your rights. However, ensure you chat with an attorney who knows their way around personal injury law in Texas.
