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. If injured during a dog attack, understanding who can be held liable and how to proceed is vital. 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?
If you are attacked or bitten by a dog, you must understand how to proceed. You’ll first want to get the information of the owner and the dog, as it’s necessary to know whether or not the dog received its required vaccinations. This is important, as you may need to get a rabies vaccine.
Following the injury, you’ll want to ensure you receive medical attention to help prevent infection from the bite. Because saliva likely got in the wound, seeking care is vital.
Once your injuries are treated, you’ll want to file a report with your local city or county officials. This helps document the attack and helps protect anyone else who may be bitten by the animal.
What Kind of 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.
If you are bitten by a dog and it is their first instance of aggressive behavior, it may be harder to recover damages. You must be able to prove that the owner knew about the dog’s aggressive tendencies to prove negligence, which can be hard to do. However, if the owner did not take the necessary measures to prevent the dog from biting you, such as failing to put the dog on a leash after it started growling and showing teeth before biting you, you may have an easier time recovering compensation.
Additionally, if you can prove that the dog has bitten someone in the past, you’ll have an easier time recovering compensation. This is why it’s crucial to report the incident to the appropriate authorities, as they can document the bite to help potential future victims.
Generally, you can recover compensation for medical expenses, time spent off work healing, the cost of prescriptions, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering or humiliation.
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.
