Being attacked by a dog is terrifying. Whether the animal is a family pet or a stranger’s guard dog, the injuries and scarring from a dog bite can leave any adult or child traumatized for years to come. The caring New Braunfels dog bite lawyers at the Burch Law Firm have more than 25 years of experience helping victims recover the compensation they need from negligent owners and stubborn insurance companies. As natives to this part of South Central Texas, our personal injury attorneys have built a solid reputation for:
- Providing compassionate, personalized attention that clients want from a local law firm
- Employing aggressive and sophisticated legal strategies that clients expect out of a big-city firm
- Successfully securing verdicts and settlements for accident victims in all types of personal injury cases
- Making the legal process as easy as possible for our clients by offering evening and weekend appointments, and meeting at locations that are convenient to you
In Texas, dog bite injury cases can be complicated, but our skilled attorneys can walk you through what to expect and explain what types of compensation you may be able to pursue. If you or your child has been mauled in a dog attack, let us help fight for your rights. Schedule a free case consultation with our dog bite attorneys now by calling or filling out our online form.
When Can You Sue over a Bite Injury in Texas?
Unfortunately, Texas does not have specific dog bite laws like in other states. However, dog bite victims do have options for pursuing compensation after an attack. Depending on the circumstances of your case, our New Braunfels dog bite injury lawyers may discuss with you:
The One-Bite Rule in Texas
Texas’ “one-bite rule” indicates that victims may be able to recover compensation if they can prove that:
- The dog had bitten someone before (or acted like it was going to).
- The owner knew (or should have known) of the dog’s dangerous behavior. Evidence of this could be that the owner had warned others of the dog in the past or had a “beware of dog” sign posted on the property, yet the dog was not restrained.
Negligence in Dog Bite Cases in Texas
Even if you cannot prove that the dog had bitten someone before or that the owner knew of the danger, you may be able to pursue compensation by showing that the dog owner was negligent. This means that:
- The dog owner did not exercise reasonable care to prevent the attack.
- That negligence led to your injuries.
In cases involving negligence, our attorneys may refer to local ordinances to show that the dog’s owner did not take proper precautions to protect you or your loved one. For example, New Braunfels Animal Control outlines the city’s rules for keeping dogs secured on a leash, and Comal County Animal Control has strict rules regarding dangerous dogs. Violations of these local regulations may indicate negligence on the part of the dog’s owner.
Obligations to Stop an Attack
In Texas, owners must take reasonable steps to stop or control their dogs before or during an attack. For example, if a dog begins growling at another person, and the owner makes no effort to control the animal, he or she could be held liable for the resulting attack.
Witnesses to an Attack
For those who had to watch a loved one being viciously attacked by a dog, our compassionate attorneys may also be able to pursue compensation for the distress you have suffered as a result.
It is extremely important to consult with a knowledgeable New Braunfels dog bite injury lawyer as soon as possible if you have been hurt in any type of animal attack. At the Burch Law Firm, our dedicated attorneys will begin investigating your claim immediately to identify who should be held responsible and what types of compensation you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Responsible if a Dog Bites You in Texas?
Our dog bite lawyers will work diligently to identify every potentially liable party in your dog bite claim. Depending on the circumstances of your case, this may include:
- The dog’s owner
- Dog sitters
- Dog walkers
- Kennel owners
- Landlords
Unfortunately, for many people, a good friend or family member owns the dog that bit them. In these cases, it is important to note that you would be filing a claim through the person’s homeowner’s insurance, not against the friend or family member personally.
Types of Compensation We Fight for in Dog Bite Injury Cases
Our dedicated New Braunfels dog bite injury attorneys will work with you and your family to document and evaluate the damages you have suffered as a result of this animal attack. We will pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, which may include:
- Compensation for medical bills, such as the costs of initial wound treatment, follow-up plastic surgery, medications, and future bills related to treatment
- Payment for lost wages, including reduced earning potential due to your injury
- Property damages, in cases where personal property such as clothing or other objects were damaged during the attack
- Compensation for the pain and suffering you have endured as a result of the dog attack
- Punitive damages, which are meant to punish the at-fault part in extreme cases
Dog bites can be very serious, putting a victim at risk of dangerous infections, permanent disfigurement, and long-term disability. If you or a loved one is coping with injuries from an animal attack, you need an experienced New Braunfels dog bite injury lawyer on your side to fight for the compensation you deserve.
How to Treat a Dog Bite
Dogs and humans are common companions. Dog owners have a responsibility to make sure their pets do not bite or otherwise harm others, but unfortunately, many owners fail in this regard. In the event of a dog bite, there are several steps that can be taken to minimize damage to the victim:
- Secure the victim. Move the dog and the victim away from each other and instruct the victim to sit or lay down in a safe location.
- Wear protective equipment to protect yourself from any infection the dog may have transmitted to the victim.
- Stop the bleeding. Use a tourniquet only as a last resort, if the bleeding cannot be controlled any other way.
- Clean the wound, and make sure to clean inside the wound. After you are done, make sure that all of the soap is rinsed away or it will cause irritation later.
- Dress the wound. Apply an antibiotic and bandage. Watch for any swelling.
- Contact a doctor. Some dog bite injuries need antibiotics. If the dog is unidentified, or if the owner is unable to provide proof of a rabies vaccination you will have to visit a physician for a rabies test. Rabies is always fatal to humans if not treated.
- The wound may require stitches. Ask your physician.
