Dogs are cherished in many homes in the United States, with over 65 million households owning at least one dog. However, some dogs can be unpredictable, and their bites can be dangerous.
4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the U.S., with 800,000 of those bites requiring medical attention.
Dog bites can range from minor to severe, leaving marks, punctures, and even deep wounds that cause nerve damage or fractures. In extreme cases, fatalities can occur due to a dog’s aggression.
If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, a dog bite lawsuit can help you recover from your injury. Here are the key elements of a dog bite claim and the steps you should take after being bitten.
When can you file a dog bite claim?
If you’ve suffered injuries from a dog bite, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim. Seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages can help you recover from any harm caused by the attack.
In most cases, if a dog causes significant harm to a person, the victim can sue the dog’s owner for damages.
To successfully file a dog bite claim, you’ll need to provide evidence that the dog caused your injuries, and the owner was responsible for those injuries due to their negligence. This includes situations where the dog was improperly restrained, poorly trained, or the owner failed to intervene during the attack.
Other things you can consider is whether the dog had dangerous tendencies compared to other dogs, or that the owner knew or should have known about their dog’s dangerous tendencies.
It’s not just the dog owner who can be held responsible for a dog attack in Texas. Other parties, such as landlords, may also share liability if they knew about the dangerous animal and failed to act.
It’s important to note that if you provoked the animal or trespassed on private property during the incident, the owner might not be held liable for the attack. In the event of a dog bite, the owner may try to use this defense to avoid liability, which could impact your ability to receive the full value of your case.
That’s why it’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney who can investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, gather evidence, and build a strong legal case on your behalf.
What immediate steps should be taken following a dog bite?
If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, follow these important steps:
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Obtain the dog owner’s identity, including names, addresses, and insurance details if available.
- Report the incident to the police and take photos of your injuries, including minor injuries.
- Keep a record of all mental healthcare and physical treatments for the trauma you’ve experienced.
- Avoid common mistakes that weaken your case, such as insufficient documentation or not having a professional examine your injury.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to research the dog’s history and strengthen your case.
What is included in the full value of your case?
If you’re bitten by a dog and suffer injuries, the owner is usually responsible for compensating you for any damages. That is why it’s crucial to prove the extent of your losses.
Your losses can include medical expenses for treatment and ongoing care, as well as your injury’s impact on your ability to work and earn income. Disfigurement and physical limitations, like scarring and difficulties in performing daily activities, are also factors that can be considered when making a claim.
In addition, the emotional toll of the bite, such as nightmares, depression, and anxiety, can be taken into account.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can assist you in gathering the necessary evidence to show the full extent of the harm you’ve suffered after a dog attack.
Contact a Qualified Attorney Today
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, we recommend seeking legal advice from a qualified attorney. They can assess your case and guide you on how to proceed with your claim. With their help, you can get the full value you deserve after a dog bite injury. Don’t hesitate to consult an attorney today and alleviate some of the stress that comes with being a victim of a dog attack.
This content was written to provide an overview of dog bite lawsuits in Texas. It is not intended to serve as legal advice. Always contact a lawyer with questions or concerns about dog bite lawsuits.
