What to Know About Dog Bites in the Lone Star State
An animal attack can be catastrophic in a matter of seconds. Young children are the most common victims of dog bites and are often left with severe injuries. If you or your loved one is attacked by a dog, you need to know your rights, including who can be held liable.
At the Aranda Law Firm, we represent individuals hurt by a dog bite in El Paso and throughout the surrounding communities. Our lawyers will work hard to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve if you or your loved one is injured in an animal attack. Contact us online today or call (915) 996-9914 to schedule a consultation.
What Should I Do If I Am Attacked by a Dog?
If you are bitten by a dog in Texas, you need to obtain the information of the owner. It is important to seek medical treatment as quickly as possible. Dog bites can become infected in a short matter of time, leading to dangerous, life-threatening illnesses. Obtaining medical treatment can help you fully recover physically and financially after an animal attack. After you receive medical treatment, it is important to contact a trusted El Paso dog bite attorney.
Does Texas Follow the “One Bite” Rule?
While Texas does not have a “one bite” rule codified by civil statutes regarding dog bites, case law indicates that they follow something similar.
What this means is that a dog owner may be held liable for injuries resulting from a dog bite if they knew or should have known that their dog was aggressive. For example, if the dog previously bites a person, the owner may be liable if it bites someone else.
Additionally, a dog owner may be held liable if they were negligent by failing to control their dog or using reasonable care to prevent the bite from happening.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?
While Texas does not have a civil statute for dog bites, it does have a criminal one. According to the Texas Health and Safety Code, a dog owner may be guilty of a crime if they fail to secure a dog and the dog makes an unprovoked attack causing bodily injury to another person. The attack, however, cannot occur on the owner’s property.
Any time that a person is injured as the result of someone else’s negligence, they may file a personal injury claim. It is always in your best interest to consult with an attorney to determine your legal rights.
What Is a Dangerous Dog?
A dog owner may also be held criminally responsible if they know that the dog is dangerous. Texas law defines a dangerous dog as one that “makes an unprovoked attack” on another person resulting in great bodily injury or the reasonable belief that injury could occur. The attack must occur somewhere other than in a secure enclosure where the dog was kept that was “reasonably certain to prevent the dog from leaving.”
Should I Hire an Attorney If I Am Bitten by a Dog?
You should always consult with a dog bite attorney in El Paso if you are attacked by a canine. Depending on the circumstances of the case, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. An El Paso dog bite attorney can help you understand the legal process and determine the best course of action.
Were You Bit by a Dog? Contact Our Office.
Were you or someone you love attacked by a dog in El Paso, TX? Contact us online today or call (915) 996-9914 to schedule a case evaluation. Consultations are confidential. Call now to speak directly with a knowledgeable El Paso dog bite attorney about your rights and responsibilities after a dog bite.
