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What Are the Dog Bite Laws in Texas?
Experiencing a dog attack can be extremely frightening, especially if you or your child was the victim. Mauling by a vicious animal can result in deep wounds, infection, and even death. If a dog attacks you or your loved one, you should get medical attention immediately to prevent permanent damage. Once you are safe, you should consider bringing a lawsuit against the negligent owner.
In Texas, owners are held responsible if they knew of a previous attack or knew that the dog acted like it was going to hurt someone. The best way to see whether you have a valid lawsuit is by reaching out to experienced personal injury attorneys like those at our law firm. We will review the details of your case and help you understand your legal options. Call today to learn more about how we can help at 713-999-6549.
State Law
Texas has state laws that govern dog bite incidents. One famous statute is known as the “one bite rule.” Dog owners and landlords can also be held accountable for acting negligently when they know their dog is potentially dangerous.
The One Bite Rule
The one-bite rule is significant in dog bite cases because it prevents victims from seeking compensation if the incident is the first time the dog has acted in a vicious manner. The law aims to protect owners who did not know that the dog would react this way. However, please note that the rule applies to more than just biting. If the dog ever acted like it would hurt someone, even if it did not do so, the owner could be liable for future attacks.
Negligence
Texas law permits dog bite victims to take legal action if an incident occurs because of the owner’s negligence. For example, if the owner knew about the dog’s vicious nature and allowed it to roam at large, they could be held liable. Owners who violate animal control statutes may also be at fault in a personal injury case.
Landlords also have a duty to protect their tenants from known dangerous animals, and legal action may be taken if a landlord or landowner fails to fulfill this obligation, resulting in someone’s injury or death.
Local Ordinances
It is also essential to understand that local ordinances may vary from Texas state law. Some locations have placed stricter rules for dangerous animals, while others make more exceptions for owners. Please get in touch with a legal representative in your area to learn more about your legal duties and rights.
What Compensation Can I Recover for My Dog Bite Injuries?
A successful dog bite case can recover economic and non-economic damages on behalf of victims. Call our law firm right away to get excellent representation and recover maximum damages for your injuries.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include items with an exact monetary cost. These may include:
- Medical expenses
- Hospital charges
- Past and future Doctor’s visits related to the injury
- Time missed at work
- Decreased earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more challenging because they do not have a monetary value that is easy to assess. However, they are equally important in a personal injury case.
Some non-economic damages you may be entitled to include:
- Disfiguration
- Catastrophic injury
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death
How is Liability Determined in a Dog Bite Incident?
In any personal injury case, it is critical to determine liability. Your ability to collect compensation depends on proving the following:
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care, such as preventing their vicious dog from attacking you.
- The other person failed to fulfill their duty of care.
- Their actions caused serious damage to you or your loved one.
Owner Negligence
According to the Texas Health and Safety Code, a dog owner may be liable for a dog mauling if the person “fails to secure the dog and the dog makes an unprovoked attack on another person…that causes serious bodily injury.” However, if the person had the dog on a leash and made reasonable attempts to control the dog, or if the attack was provoked, this could affect the victim’s ability to recover damages. Call a knowledgeable dog bite attorney to learn whether you have a valid legal claim for your dog bite injuries.
Landlord Liability
Landlords also have a duty of care to protect their tenants from known dangerous animals. If you suffered a dog attack in a building where a landlord should have known about a vicious dog and did not remove it, you could have a claim against that landlord. Reach out to our dog bite lawyers immediately to learn more about what to do next.
Can Our Team of Dog Attack Attorneys Help You?
You have our deepest sympathies if you or your loved one experienced a dog attack. We understand the trauma and anguish the attack has caused you and your family, and we promise to fight aggressively to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Please don’t suffer alone. Allow our experienced dog bite attorneys to investigate your case and uncover the evidence necessary for you to recover damages for your injuries. Our dedication, skill, and honesty have helped countless clients get the compensation they deserve. We will leverage that experience to bring you the results you need in your dog bite injury case.
You can rely on the help from The Kahn Law Firm, P.C., when you need to hold a negligent party accountable for your injuries. Let us handle the legal work so you can rest and recover. Call today at 713-999-6549 or contact us online to schedule your initial consultation.
