Whether you love dogs or prefer cats, one thing is true: all dogs, regardless of their nature, are capable of aggression. Even breeds that are known for their goofy nature, like golden retrievers or corgis, can experience events that result in aggression, or are simply born with a different temperament than other dogs. Unfortunately, this aggressive nature often culminates in bites. As such, if you have suffered a dog bite, understanding the complications that could arise from the injury is critical. The following blog explores these matters in further detail, including how to determine liability for the damages you’ve endured. In addition, you’ll discover the importance of working with a Tom Green County, Texas personal injury lawyer to explore your legal options.
What Are Common Complications That a Dog Bite Can Cause?
There is a common misconception that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s, which is far from the truth. In reality, most dog mouths are home to over 600 types of bacteria. As such, one of the biggest complications you risk from a dog bite is an infection. When a dog’s teeth puncture your skin, the bacteria harbored on their teeth and saliva can enter your body. In many instances, you can reduce the risk of infection but thoroughly cleaning the wound, but this can be difficult for deep injuries. If an infection occurs, you will likely need to be placed on an antibiotic.
In addition to a risk of infection, dog bites can cause serious injury to your nerves, muscles, and tendons. Not only can canine teeth be incredibly sharp, but they can also be long. As such, if a dog bites down far enough, it could potentially lead to nerve damage. In addition, you could face injury to the muscles and tendons beneath your skin. In some instances, surgery could be required to repair the damage,
Who Can Face Liability For My Injuries?
It’s critical to understand that, in Texas, dog owners do not always face liability for the actions of their animal. This is because Texas adheres to the “one bite rule,” which essentially means that a dog owner can only face strict liability if their dog bites someone and they had prior knowledge that the dog was aggressive.
For example, if the dog bite was the first time that the dog ever showed aggressive behavior, the owner would not be held liable. If this is not the first time the dog exhibited this behavior, however, then the owner would be held strictly liable for the injuries inflicted by the animal.
Navigating the laws regarding dog bites in Texas can be difficult and confusing. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with the Mathis Law Firm, PLLC, to explore your legal options. We can examine the circumstances to determine the best course of action for your needs. When you need help, do not hesitate to contact us today.
