Austin Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
Proficient Dog Bite Attorneys Proudly Serving Austin and Surrounding Areas
Being bitten by a dog is one of the most traumatic events a person can go through. There are many elements to a dog bite incident, including the physical pain at the time of the injury, but also permanent scars and long-lasting emotional trauma. Different states have particular laws that apply to this type of personal injury. Don’t try to navigate a dog bite injury alone. Seek out compassionate and skilled legal representation. Contact the Austin Dog Bite Lawyers at Treviño Trial Law Today.
Even if you are a dog owner or a dog lover, you may be the victim of another person’s negligence. It is reported that over 4 million people each year suffer from dog bites. That seems like a lot but the truth is that many more bites occur and are not even reported.
Texas Dog Bite Laws
When it comes to Texas law, it is important to know that Texas does not have a statute that covers civil liability for dog bites. Marshall v. Ranne provided In 1974 that Texas is a “negligence” or “one bite rule” state when it comes to dog bites. In order to recover damages for a dog bite, the injured person must show that:
- the dog’s owner knew the dog had bitten someone before or had acted aggressively in the past, or;
- the dog’s owner was negligent in controlling the dog or preventing the bite from occurring, and that negligence caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
- Punctures and lacerations
- Contusions and abrasions
- Bone fractures and crushing injuries
- Infection of the wound later on
- Loss of feeling (neurological injury)
- Acquired Cynophobia (fear of dogs)
- Emotional Injuries / PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)
Who is Responsible
While it might seem cut and dry when a Texas dog bite occurs, liability can actually lie in some surprising places. They can include:
- The owner of the premises where the incident occurred: The person or persons who own the property may be found partially responsible for a dog attack, even if they are not the dog owner, if he or she knew that a dangerous dog was on their property and yet did not take action to protect others from the dog.
- The parents of the dog owners: If the actual dog owner is a minor then his or her parents may be held responsible for any dog attacks or injuries sustained by other people.
- The dog sitter, dog walker, or someone else who is caring for the dog: In some instances, the person who is caring for or controlling the dog in lieu of the owner may be responsible for a dog attack. This is often true if the caretaker was violating a local dog restraint law.
- The dog bite victim: Sometimes, in rare cases, the victim of a dog bite victim might be deemed responsible for his or her own injuries. This may be the case if the dog bite victim was provoking and/or harming the dog, trespassing illegally on someone’s property, or committing a crime which results in the dog attack.
If you have been injured in a dog attack, you probably have a lot of questions about filing a claim and how much your case might be worth. It can be a confusing time. It is especially important that you get the time you need time to heal without the worry of bills piling up and missing deadlines. That’s where our firm can help.
Call the Austin Dog Bite Lawyers at Treviño Trial Law
At Treviño Trial Law, we understand what you are going through. You may be facing mounting medical bills and lost time from work. Our compassionate and experienced Austin Personal Injury attorneys understand the Texas laws surrounding dog bites. We will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation. Call (512) 401-3444 today.