Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, infections, and even death. They can also lead to psychological trauma that long outlasts the physical injuries. If you were bitten by a dog, you have important legal rights. An Austin personal injury attorney from De La Garza Law can explain them to you during a free case review. Call us today to learn more.
Texas Dog Bite Laws
States use two primary systems when assessing liability in a dog bite case. One is strict liability. In these states, dog owners are held strictly liable if their dog bites. In these situations, the dog bite victim does not have to show the dog owner was negligent.
The other legal principle is the “one-bite rule.” In states that use this system, the dog may get one free bite before the dog owner is aware that the dog has the propensity to bite someone. Then, the dog owner is on notice, so if the dog bites again, the owner can be held legally liable for the incident. Texas uses the one-bite rule.
Under Texas law, a dog is deemed dangerous after it makes an unprovoked attack on a person that causes bodily injury in a place other than its secure enclosure. Once a dog owner learns the dog is dangerous, they are responsible for registering it with the animal control authority. They are then responsible for always keeping the dog on a leash or in an enclosure and obtaining a $100,000 liability insurance policy.
Even if a dog has never bitten anyone before, the dog owner can still be found to be negligent and responsible for the victim’s injuries. The owner may have known the dog was dangerous and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the injury.
How to Prove Liability in a Texas Dog Bite Case
To establish negligence, you must be able to show the dog’s owner knew the dog was dangerous or had acted aggressively in the past, that they failed to take reasonable care to control the dog, and that their failure caused your injury. Meeting this burden may require evidence, such as:
- Witness statements regarding the dog’s behavior
- Reports with animal control
- Statements from animal behavior experts
- Records regarding previous attacks
An experienced Austin dog bite attorney can help gather the evidence you need to establish your claim.
Dangers of Dog Bites
Dog bites and attacks can be extremely dangerous. Dog bite victims may suffer severe puncture wounds, broken bones, nerve damage, or disfigurement. These wounds can become infected, leading to additional complications. Victims may fall down during the attack, which can lead to broken bones, soft tissue injuries, and other injuries. Additionally, dog bite victims may experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other psychological damage.
The physical, emotional, and financial toll of a dog bite can be enormous. An experienced dog bite lawyer in Austin can help fight for the financial recovery you need to put your life back together following such a traumatic experience.
Call Our Dog Bite Lawyer in Austin for a Free Case Review
If you were injured in a dog bite, an experienced dog bite attorney in Austin from De La Garza Law is here to help. Our law firm can investigate your case, gather compelling evidence, and negotiate for fair compensation. Call (956) 382-6717 to schedule a free consultation with us today.
