Richmond Dog Bite Attorney
Dogs are man’s best friend, but not all dogs are friendly. Pet owners have a responsibility to protect others from their dog and dog bite attacks. Failure to do so can mean that the pet owner is liable for any injuries. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, you may have a claim for damages. To learn more about your legal options, call or contact the Richmond dog bite attorneys at The West Law Office today to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys now.
Texas Dog Bite Law
Unlike many other states, Texas does not have a state statute that dictates dog bite law. Instead, the law has been shaped by court cases, which determined that Texas is a one-bite state. Also known as the negligence theory of dog bite law, in order to collect damages for a dog bite attack, the victim must prove the following:
- The dog owner knew that the animal had acted aggressively or bitten another person in the past (one-bite rule), or
- The dog owner failed to use reasonable care to control the animal or prevent the bite, and because of that negligence the victim was bitten
The negligence rules of dog attacks also provide options to collect damages if the animal causes injury outside of a biting attack. For example, if a pet owner is negligent and their dog knocks a person to the ground, that victim may have a claim for damages.
However, if the dog is known to be vicious or dangerous the one-bite rule does not apply, and a victim may be able to collect compensation even if this is the first time that the dog has attacked a person. In this case, the victim does not have to prove that the pet owner was negligent in order to collect damages.
Injuries Caused by Dog Bite Attacks
Depending on the size and bite strength of the dog causing the attack, the injuries can be devastating. This is particularly true for victims under the age of five years old, which is one of the most common age ranges in dog bite attacks. Injuries caused by dog bites include the following:
- Broken bones
- Puncture wounds
- Eye injuries
- Head injuries
- Permanent scarring
- Torn or shredded tissue damage
- Neck injuries
- Facial trauma
- Nerve damage
- Rabies
- Infection
- Death
These attacks also often cause serious emotional trauma in addition to the physical injuries, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, and more. You need an attorney with experience representing victims of dog bite attacks to ensure that you are getting the full compensation for your claims after suffering injuries.
Talk to Our Office Now
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack in the Richmond area, our team of highly dedicated legal professionals is here to help. Call the office or contact us today at The West Law Office to schedule a free case evaluation now.
