Dogs, while normally the fun and friendly family pet, can also viciously and violently attack adults and children, leaving them scared and scarred for life. Studies have shown that over four million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year, and up to 13,000 of those people are hospitalized for severe injuries. Unfortunately, children are at a higher risk of being severely injured by a dog bite because they may not know how to act around dogs; and, even a short, negative interaction with a dog – such as pulling a tail or tugging on their ears – can cause the dog to bite.
There are a variety of reasons a dog will bite you, including:
- Fear: Dogs can quickly bite a person because of fear. If they do not know the person they are interacting with, are in unfamiliar territory, or are startled, they can quickly bite.
- Pain: If a dog is in pain from an injury or illness, no matter how sweet or friendly that dog is they can react and bite when that pain is amplified. Petting a dog where they are injured or trying to pick up an injured dog may cause them to snap.
- Possessiveness: Dogs can be very protective of their “property” and the space where they live. A dog’s property may include a specific person, toys, food, or location. Entering their space or trying to take away or harm their property can incite a dog to react violently.
- Prey Drive: Many dogs have retained their prey drive and will chase and nip something that runs past them. While most dogs limit that behavior to chasing squirrels and birds, some may chase children or even adults and can bite them.
- Maternal Instincts: Female dogs who have just given birth to puppies can become very defensive of their young, and no matter how sweet or well-trained, they can bite a person they perceive as trying to take their puppies away or harm them in any manner.
What to Do After a Dog Bites You
The moment a dog bites and injures you or a loved one, immediately seek medical attention. No matter how minor or severe the dog bite is, dogs have bacteria in their mouths that can cause serious infections. There are many types of dog bites, all of which need to be evaluated by a doctor, including: puncture wounds, deep lacerations requiring surgery, disfigurement, severe scarring, infections, and broken bones. After seeking medical treatment, finding an experienced dog bite lawyer will be critical to receiving any compensation from the dog owner or other responsible third parties involved.
The dog owner’s insurance company will attempt to offer you less compensation than you are rightfully owed because they know how to work the legal system in their favor. Insurers often try to paint a negative picture of your interaction with the dog and accuse you of antagonizing the animal or provoking the attack. A knowledgeable dog bite lawyer can ensure you get the justice you deserve. It takes significant time and know-how to effectively negotiate a settlement with a dog owner and/or their insurance company. A dog bite lawyer works with you to determine the true cost of your injuries, including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more, and will fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Dog Bite Liability
In Texas, there is no law that clearly defines a dog owner’s liability for damages if their dog bites and injures another person. In 1974, the Texas Supreme Court held that the state would follow a “one bite rule” when it comes to personal injury liability from dog bites. The “one bite rule” essentially gives a dog one “free” bite in regards to its owner’s liability to the injured party. After the first bite, though, the owner is now aware of their dog’s tendency to bite; therefore, the law holds they are being negligent if their dog bites again. An experienced dog bite attorney will establish liability in your case by showing that the dog’s owner had previous knowledge of its aggressive behavior, that the dog had previously bitten a person before your bite, and/or the dog’s owner failed to use reasonable care to control their dog and prevent it from hurting you.
There is a specific time limit within which a person can file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas, which is the type of lawsuit you would need to file to receive compensation for a dog bite injury. The statute of limitations for filing such a claim is two years from the day of the bite or other incident in which a dog has harmed you. If you do not file your dog bite lawsuit within those two years, you likely lose your right to hold the dog owner financially accountable for your injuries.
South Texas Dog Bite Attorneys
Being bit by a dog can be an incredibly scary and stressful experience that leaves you scarred for life. By choosing our experienced team, you won’t have to worry about your next steps because you will have our guidance and support. If you or a loved one has been bitten and injured by a dog, contact the Weslaco dog bite lawyers at Ezequiel Reyna, Jr. Law Office today to discuss your case. There is limited time to act, so don’t delay.
