City and state laws are put in place to make sure that no one falls victim to a dog bite. However, dog bite injuries still occur. In Houston, Texas dog bite injuries can be serious offenses and can lead to severe injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite or attacked by a dog, contact the Lawers at Adley Law Firm as you may have a claim against the dog owner.
Dog Bites In Texas
In 2007, Texas had initially followed a law that allowed an owner of a dog a free pass only if their dog bit a person one time. However, this law changed when a pack of loose dogs killed 76-year-old Lillian Stiles. As a result of this, a group called the Texas Families Against Dangerous Dogs worked hard to pass “Lilian’s Law”. This law states that the owner of a dog who causes personal injury or death may be found criminally negligent in failing to prevent the dog from escaping. Consequently, the owner of a dog may face jail time.
If a person is bitten by a dog but does not require medical attention, the owner may be charged with a misdemeanor. If a dog severely injures someone, the owner may be charged with a third-degree felony and could serve up to a 10-year sentence. If a person is killed in a dog attack, the owner may be charged with a second-degree felony and may face up to 20 years in prison.
Under the Texas Code, prosecutors must prove that the injuries caused by the attack are fatal or caused severe impairment. Furthermore, they must also prove that the owner was criminally negligent in not properly securing the animal.
While the Texas criminal laws are now quite extensive on holding the owner of a dog negligent, the laws do not provide compensation to the victim or the victim’s family.
However, bringing a case in civil court may grant you compensation for your lost wages, medical expenses, or pain and suffering.
Why You Need An Attorney After An Attack From a Dog
If you have been bitten by or attacked by a dog, the Lawyers at Adley Law Firm can provide help, including determining who is liable, investigating the accident, calculating the full extent of your losses, negotiating a settlement, and advocating for the compensation you deserve.
In some cases, the owner of the dog was not around so it may be unclear to who may be held liable. In other cases, the dog may have been a known danger and the owner failed to restrain it. Moreover, the dog may have been under the care of a pet boarding service or another person who failed to restrain the dog.
Regardless of how you were bitten, we can work with you to understand the circumstances of your injury and gather the evidence your claim needs in order to move forward and guarantee compensation for your claim.
Dog bite negotiations can be complex, but our attorneys know how to handle these situations and how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
In most dog bitten cases, victims are dealing with the homeowner’s insurance company and not directly with the owner. So any money you recover will be from the insurance company and not from the owner’s pocket.
Whatever the circumstances, we are prepared to fight with you in court. We will prepare the legal filings, strategies, and arguments that your claim needs to recover just compensation.
Serious Dog Attack Injuries
Dog attacks can cause a number of serious injuries. The most common injuries include:
Infections
A dog’s mouth is full of bacteria. A dog bite can introduce this bacteria into your bloodstream which may lead to life-threatening diseases and conditions that can turn your life upside down. Also, some dogs may carry serious diseases such as rabies.
Scarring
Dogs teeth are sharp and can cause major damage to soft tissue and even bones. In some cases, you may be facing permanent scarring that can impair your movement and change your life.
Damaged Nerves
Dogs can bite with tremendous force, leading to damaging nerves and permanent loss of sensation. Damaged nerves may also cause severe pain and can lead to years of lingering pain.
Disfigurement
After a dog attack, you may be left with a disfigurement that may transform your life and leave you with long term pain. Children, in particular, are susceptible to disfigurement after a dog attack.
Who is Liable For Dog Bite Injuries?
Dog owners are legally responsible for controlling their dogs and following the laws in which they live or are visiting.
Unlike other states, Texas does not have a statute that covers a dog owner’s civil liability for damages caused by their pet biting another person. Instead, the Texas Supreme Court ruled in 1974 that the state would follow the rule in Section 509 in the Restatement of Torts.
In Texas, the victim must prove that the dog owner knew that their pet was aggressive or dangerous and that the owner failed to control the dog or prevent the bite.
What Damages Are Recoverable in a Dog Bite Case?
If you or your family was injured due to a dog bite, there may be a few damages that you may recover in a lawsuit. These damages can include costs for surgery, ambulance transportation, hospital stays, and any other expenses related to medical care.
You may also receive compensation for lost wages if your injuries caused you to miss days off of work or a loss of future earning potential. Further, you may be compensated for pain and suffering.
What Should I Do If I’ve Been Bitten By a Dog?
After your injuries have been examined by a medical professional, the next step you should do is seek legal help. Find an attorney that has experience with dog bite cases.
The Lawyers at Adley Law Firm will be able to evaluate the incident and provide you with all the legal options.
Dedicated Attorneys Serving You
In almost every case of a dog bite or attack is the result of the dog owner’s negligence.
The Lawyers at Adley Law Firm, are talented dog bite attorneys that have handled a wide range of claims and are ready to help you. Get in touch with us now, call us at (713) 999-8669 or schedule a free consultation.