Carrollton Dog Bite Lawyer

Texas "One Bite" Lawyer

In Texas, dog owners are held accountable for their pet’s actions, with one exception. The state follows what some legal professionals refer to as the “one bite” rule.

According to this rule, in most cases, the owner is not held responsible if it is the first time the dog has attacked someone unless the dog's breed or temperament puts the owner on prior notice that the dog could harm innocent individuals.

Proving that this was not the dog’s first attack can be a challenging task:

• Firstly, the victim or their Carrollton dog bite attorney must demonstrate that at the time of the attack, the dog’s owner was aware that this was not the first instance of aggressive behavior or biting
• Furthermore, unless the breed is naturally highly aggressive, the victim must show that the owner was negligent in containing or controlling the dog and preventing the bite and that this negligence led to the plaintiff’s injuries

Keeping highly aggressive and dangerous breeds of animals can impose strict liability for those injuries, regardless of how cautious the owner is in handling the animal. Animal-related injuries can be a complex area of law for the unsuspecting.

Carrollton Dog Bite Injury Claims

No matter their size, temperament, or breed, any dog can show aggressive behavior, and their sharp teeth and powerful jaws can cause serious, even life-threatening injuries through a bite. Injuries from a dog attack can include the following:

• Puncture wounds
• Fractures
• Infections
• Rabies and other diseases
• Nerve damage
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional trauma, including PTSD

Unfortunately, most dog bite victims in Texas are children, making dog bite injuries a leading cause of emergency room visits for kids. Even minor dog bites may require emergency medical care. Depending on the severity of the attack, ongoing physical therapy and reconstructive surgery might be necessary. In some tragic cases, permanent disfigurement and scarring can occur.