The notion that dogs are “man’s best friend” is as strong as ever, especially in the United States; the American Pet Products Association projects U.S. citizens alone will spend around $157 billion on their pets in 2025.
Despite their popularity, however, dogs are the third-deadliest animal world, biting more than 4.5 million people annually. And in some instances, these bites and related injuries can be fatal.
With that in mind, if you or someone you know has recently been attacked by a dog in Texas, it’s best to consider speaking with a dog bite injury attorney. And when you do, these are a few of the most meaningful questions to ask:
Do I Have a Valid Dog Bite Claim Under Texas Law?
The laws governing dog bites in Texas can be confusing. The state maintains the “one bite” rule, which says that a dog owner may not be held liable for injuries if it’s the first time their dog has ever bitten someone. The one-bite rule may not apply, though, in certain circumstances.
Additionally, under the state’s negligence laws, an owner could be found liable for their pet’s actions even if the dog has never bitten someone before, perhaps if the owner did not have control of their dog or if the animal was off-leash in a public area where leashing is required. Ultimately, a dog bite injury attorney can judge the validity of your claim after they have all the facts.
Who Can Be Held Liable for the Attack?
Different parties could be held liable for a dog attack, besides the dog’s owner, depending on the circumstances.
Property owners, including landlords, have a legal obligation to take appropriate measures to keep visitors or occupants safe on their premises. As such, they could be held liable if they knowingly let a dangerous dog on their premises.
Additionally, a pet sitter, dog walker, animal groomer, or any other person who is legally contracted to take responsibility for one’s pet for specified periods can be found liable if the dog attacks.
What Evidence Should I Gather for a Dog Bite Injury Attorney?
Establishing liability requires evidence. Some of the items that will help support your dog bite injury case the most include the following:
- Photos
- Video footage
- Statements and contact information of the dog’s owner and any witnesses
- The owner’s insurance information
- Animal control report
- Police report
- Property incident report
Gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses are integral aspects of the services a dog bite injury lawyer provides. Any documentation you can provide during your initial consultation will help the legal process.
What Types of Compensation Can I Pursue for a Dog Bite?
The exact types of compensation a person can recover depend on the details of their case. Typically, a person who has been injured in a dog attack can recover lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and payment for future medical treatments or equipment. You might also recover for damage to property if any of your personal possessions were broken in the attack.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for a Dog Attack?
The statute of limitations for dog bite injuries in Texas is typically two years. If you or a loved one was injured in a dog attack but are concerned that you’ve missed that deadline, it’s still wise to speak with an attorney anyway, as there may be exceptions that apply to your situation.
In particular, some exceptions to the rule that may extend that time frame include the dog bite victim being a minor, legally disabled, mentally incapacitated, or killed in the attack.
Have You Handled Similar Cases Before?
Always ask an attorney about their experience handling your type of case. Dog bite claims are unique and may require specialized knowledge and a reliable network of industry professionals. The depth of one’s experience in general personal injury law is important, but success with handling dog bite lawsuits must be a priority. A qualified dog bite attorney will be happy to speak about their experience, including the outcomes they’ve achieved in similar lawsuits.
FAQ
What Should I Do Immediately After a Dog Bite Injury?
Clean your wound(s) if you are able, making sure to use soap and clean water. If the wound is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth. Seek medical attention and follow all recommendations from your healthcare professional, then speak with a dog bite injury lawyer to determine whether you can seek compensation.
What Will Happen to the Dog That Attacked Me?
What ends up happening to the dog depends on the circumstances of the case. In rare cases, the animal may be euthanized, though it is far more likely that the owner of the animal will be able to keep their dog and receive punishment in their stead. Courts typically make these decisions.
Will a Dog Bite Case Settle or Go to Trial?
The vast majority of dog bite injury cases are settled out of court. Building a sound case with reliable evidence and calculating a fair compensation estimate will put your attorney in a strong position for negotiating with insurance adjusters, and their experience with the court system and litigation will help prepare for a court trial should push come to shove.
Contact Ramsey Law Group for More Answers to Your Questions About Dog Bite Injuries
Being attacked by a dog is an emotional and physically painful experience. When dog owners fail to keep their pets under control, they may be found legally liable. Schedule a free consultation with Ramsey Law Group to speak with a dog bite injury attorney to learn if you may be entitled to financial compensation.