Though dogs bring joy to our lives as faithful companions and family pets, they are animals and sometimes lash out and attack. Dog bites result in numerous injuries each year and can sometimes cause infection and permanent disfigurement.
Children are particularly vulnerable to dog bite injuries. Not only can dog bites cause long-lasting physical injuries, but they also cause emotional trauma that can cause pain and suffering for years. If you or your child has serious injuries from being bitten by a dog, reach out to an Allen dog bite lawyer to learn more about your legal rights and recourse. A skilled personal injury attorney could work with you to seek justice for your injuries. En Español.
The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 4.5 million dog bites occur every year in the United States. Approximately 800,000 of these bite victims require medical attention for their injuries. Dog bites can lead to serious physical and emotional injuries, as well as other health complications. Common dog bite injuries include:
Dog bite victims often endure costly medical treatment to recover from their injuries. Some victims, particularly small children who were seriously wounded, may never fully recover.
Dog bite cases can be emotionally stressful, particularly if the owner of the dog is a family member or friend. A person may not want to take legal action against their family or friend for fear of severing or harming their relationship. However, working with an experienced Allen dog bite attorney could help alleviate some of this awkwardness. An attorney could communicate directly with the owner’s insurance company on the victim’s behalf so they do not have to deal directly with this contentious matter.
Texas does not have an applicable dog bite statute. However, liability and responsibility in Texas rely on the Texas Supreme Court Case, Marshall v. Ranne, 511 SW 2d 255 (Tex. 1974). In Marshall, the court assigns civil liability to a dog owner under what has become known as the “one-bite rule.” The “one-bite rule” allows a negligence case against a dog owner if the defendant owner knew the dog has acted aggressively or bitten someone in the past.
In addition to proving responsibility under a negligence theory, a dog owner of a dangerous breed of dog may have strict liability for maintaining a dangerous breed of dog if that dog later attacks and injures someone.
A dog owner may even face criminal charges under the Texas Health and Safety Code Section 822.005, especially if the attack results in death. Consulting a well-practiced dog bite lawyer in Allen could help someone understand the precedent surrounding dog bite cases and how it applies to a specific case.
If you or your child has been the victim of a dog bite, please contact an attorney as soon as possible. They know you may be facing mounting medical bills and a potentially long road to recovery and can help you recover fair compensation for your injuries. This is a stressful time, but a compassionate Allen dog bite lawyer is ready to assist you. Call today for a free consultation.
McCraw Law Group