Have you suffered a dog bite and want to know how to pursue a legal claim? You’ve come to the right place. Our firm handles dog bite cases for Texas clients who need help recovering the compensation they deserve.
The Risks of Dog Bites
Being bitten by a dog poses numerous risks. In addition to the emotional trauma that many dog bite victims suffer, the bites themselves can lead to medical complications. For example, medical professionals usually recommend that dog bite victims get rabies shots. Sometimes it’s difficult to test a dog for rabies because it’s not available for immediate testing, and the disease is most often fatal to humans who contract it. Unfortunately, some victims suffer serious lacerations. Some individuals may require multiple stitches or even skin grafts to aid in wound healing. Even small bites are no joke. Dog bite victims risk serious infections – a dog’s mouth is full of bacteria. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics to help victims fight off infections or other diseases.
The Texas “One-Bite” Rule
Texas follows a “one-bite” rule for dog bite accidents. If a dog owner knew or should have known that their dog could attack someone before the accident, then the owner is held strictly liable. Strict liability means that the victim does not have to prove that the owner’s failure to take care regarding the dog caused the accident. Instead, the victim can recover damages regardless of the owner’s level of care taken.
In other words, if a dog owner was aware that their dog had dangerous tendencies or was aggressive before it bit you, the owner could owe you damages regardless of the steps the owner took to prevent the dog from getting to you. Even if the dog owner had the dangerous dog penned or leashed, a bite from that dog could trigger the strict liability provision under the law if it is found that the owner knew the dog was at risk of biting.
If a dog owner had no reason to think their dog could attack someone, then you have a greater burden. You must show that the owner’s failure to take reasonable care caused the accident. Examples include:
- The owner didn’t leash their dog when leashes are required, and the dog ran up and bit you
- The owner leashed the dog on a retractable lead and let it get very close to a passerby that it then bit
- The owner penned in the dog, but the pen was not very tall and could be easily knocked over by the dog, and the dog knocked over and ran out, biting a person
Because of the “one-bite” rule, establishing that a dog was known to be dangerous is very helpful for your case. Our lawyers have experience with proving strict liability and can advise you on developing the evidence needed to support your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does your firm handle dog bite cases?
Yes! Allen & Nunnally helps people injured in various situations, including those bitten by dogs. Dog bites can cause very serious injuries, and even small bites can leave you at risk. If a dangerous dog or any other kind of dog bit you, please call us now for a free consultation.
How can I recover from a dog owner who knew their dog was dangerous?
At Allen & Nunnally, we work with our clients to assess recovery in cases where owners were aware their dogs were dangerous. For example, we may research the financial resources available to a dog owner to assess their ability to pay in a strict liability situation. We will consider the individual circumstances of your case when advising you.
My current lawyer doesn’t think I have a dog bite case. Can you help?
Yes! Allen & Nunnally has a deep understanding of Texas’s “one bite” dog bite law, including the strict liability that can apply if the owner knew or should have known their dog was dangerous. Our dedication to researching and investigating dog bite cases can help make the argument for strict liability instead of negligence as the legal standard. Moreover, we take referrals from other lawyers who find themselves in over their heads with dog bite cases.
We’re First to Fight for You in Dog Bite Accidents
Do you need advice about legal rights after you suffered a serious injury due to a dog bite? At Allen & Nunnally, we have a steadfast commitment to client service. Injured Texans trust us to fight for the compensation they deserve. We never stop working tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients’ cases. To schedule a consultation with one of our Houston-based attorneys, call (713) 955-2217, use our convenient Contact Form, or email us at info@allen-nunnally.com.