Many people adore their pets, with dogs being one of the most popular pets to own. Despite the owner believing their pet is a lovable puppy, dogs are still animals. As such, they can become aggressive, and dog bites and attacks can occur. If injured during a dog attack, understanding who can be held liable and how to proceed is vital. In Texas, dog bite liability is typically based on negligence rather than automatic liability. The injured party must demonstrate that the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous, or that the owner failed to exercise control over the animal. The following blog explores what you must know about these circumstances and how a Tom Green County, Texas personal injury lawyer can assist you through these challenging times.
What Should I Do if I’m Attacked by a Dog in Texas?
Being attacked by a dog can be incredibly scary and traumatic. However, proceeding carefully in these matters is vital to protect your health and well-being, as well as your right to pursue a legal claim.
Seeking medical attention is the most important step, as the saliva in a dog’s mouth can contain dangerous bacteria that require thorough cleaning. Additionally, obtaining immediate treatment can help establish prompt documentation.
In San Angelo and across Tom Green County, dog bites are handled under Texas state law and in conjunction with local animal control ordinances. Understanding how these rules interact is critical if seeking compensation.
Immediate Steps After a Dog Bite Injury in Texas
- Move to a safe location away from the dog
- Wash the wound with soap and water
- Apply pressure to stop bleeding
- Seek immediate medical care, even if the wound seems minor
- Gather the name of the dog’s owner
- Request vaccination records
- Photograph the injury
- Report the incident to local animal control authorities
- Keep all medical records
Do All Dog Bites Require Medical Treatment?
In some instances, a dog bite may cause a small puncture wound. However, even a small wound that has broken skin can lead to infections, nerve damage, and even potentially fatal complications like sepsis. Rabies exposure, while rare, can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. As such, you should seek immediate medical attention, especially if the following are true:
- The dog’s vaccination history is unknown
- You have not had a tetanus vaccination in the past five years
- There is swelling, redness, and drainage
- The wound is deep or bleeding significantly
Potential Medical Complications Following Dog Attacks
- Bacterial infections like Pasteurella
- Tetanus
- Rabies exposure
- Nerve damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Sepsis, in severe cases
Who Is Liable for a Dog Attack in Texas?
Texas, unlike the majority of states, does not adhere to strict liability in instances of dog bites. Instead, liability is based on the “one-bite” rule. Essentially, this means an owner may only face responsibility for a bite if they knew or should have known the dog was dangerous and aggressive.
In many instances, homeowner’s or renter’s insurance will pay damages if a claim is filed against a dog owner, though insurance coverage disputes are common, especially if liability or negligence is contested.
How Texas’s One-Bite Rule Works
- Owners can face liability if the dog has previously attacked someone
- Prior aggressive behavior (growling, lunging, snapping) can be used as evidence to establish knowledge
- Violations of leash ordinances in San Angelo, Grape Creek, or Arden can strengthen negligence
- Property owners may share liability in certain premises cases, like landlords who know of a dangerous animal on the property
Can I Sue if the Dog Has Never Bitten Anyone Before?
Yes, you may still pursue a valid claim to compensation if you can prove the owner acted negligently, even if the dog has no prior history of aggressive behavior. This can include failing to properly secure the dog, disobeying local leash ordinances, or allowing the dog to roam freely. Evidence that can help support claims includes:
- Prior complaints to animal control
- Lack of fencing
- Security camera footage
- Witness statements supporting displays of aggressive behavior
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Dog Attack?
When you are attacked by a dog, understanding who can be held liable for the damages you’ve endured is critical. In most instances, the owner will be held responsible for damages. However, the damages you can recover depend on a number of circumstances, like the severity of the injuries you’ve endured, the long-term impact of the attack, and emotional trauma.
Common Recoverable Damages
- Economic damages
- Emergency room treatment
- Surgical procedures
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Future medical care
- Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional trauma
- Scarring and disfiguration
- Loss of enjoyment of life
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Texas?
In general, Texas personal injury law applies a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including those filed as a result of dog bites. However, if you do not file a claim on time, you can be barred from recovering compensation for the damages you have suffered.
Statute of Limitations in Texas
- Two years from the date of the attack
- Applies to both child and adult victims, with limited exceptions
- Failure to file before the statute expires bars recovery
- Early action can preserve evidence and strengthen a claim
Are There Special Rules in San Angelo or Tom Green County?
Local animal control ordinances and regulations can impact liability in some dog attacks, as filing a report can create documentation and strengthen your claim to compensation for damages.
Why Reporting the Attack Matters
- Creates formal documentation of the attack
- Establishes vaccination status
- Can result in the dog being classified as dangerous
- Can prevent future attacks
- Can establish a clear timeline of the incident
Contact an Experienced San Angelo Personal Injury Attorney Today
When you are injured by an aggressive dog, ensuring you receive the justice you deserve is critical. At the Mathis Law Firm, we understand how challenging it can be to suffer from a dog attack. As such, our firm is committed to helping you fight for the justice you are entitled to. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you through these challenging times.
