Pet owners are responsible for controlling their animals to ensure they do not cause any harm to others. Should someone fail in that duty, resulting in someone being bitten by their dog, the owner could be responsible for compensated the injured party.
These claims are more common than most realize and are handled by skilled injury attorneys in much the same way that other civil claims are. If someone else’s dog attacked you in The Colony, a dog bite lawyer could be an important asset in ensuring you are compensated for your injuries.
Unlike most states, Texas does not have a specific statute that covers civil liability for dog bites. Instead, a dog bite claim is based on the legal theory of negligence. A person can be found negligent if they act carelessly or recklessly that causes injury or harm to another. A dog owner has the duty to be vigilant when he or she is aware that the dog is potentially aggressive or has bitten someone in the past and to keep their pets from harming others. Taking extra measures like keeping their pets behind a fence, leashing them when outside, and keeping a close eye on their behavior when around other people or other dogs are important ways to make sure no accidents happen. Failure to do so is important evidence that skilled attorney could use to settle dog bite claims in The Colony.
Of course, not all dog bite incidents are created equal, and in Texas, there are two main defenses to a dog attack claim. The first is trespassing. A trespasser who is bitten on someone else’s property cannot claim that the owner is liable because the owner does not owe the trespasser a duty of care. The second defense requires the pet owner can show that the dog had no history of hostility and that they were not negligent in controlling the animal, they may avoid liability. Attorneys in The Colony could gather evidence to disprove these defenses against dog bite claims.
In the immediate aftermath of a pet attack, removing the animal to a safe area and attending to the injured party’s wounds come first. The injured party will want to take photos of their injuries and keep all documentation regarding medical treatment that the bite needed. They may want to contact the local authorities to make them aware of a potentially dangerous animal, as well.
If an aggressive canine attacked you in The Colony, a dog bite lawyer has the knowledge and experience to help. An attorney could assess the facts of your case and help you determine the best legal path to make sure you are fairly compensated for your injuries. Schedule your first consultation today.
McCraw Law Group