Dogs are often called “man’s best friend” for their loyalty and companionship to humans. However, not all dogs are worthy of this title. Although many dogs are trustworthy, there are cases where they bite or attack others.
You may be able to file a lawsuit if you or a loved one are bitten or attacked by a dog. There is no dog bite statute on the books in Texas. Regardless, Texas does have legal precedents that dictate which criteria must be met before filing an injury or wrongful death claim. In Texas, we have the “one bite rule”. If you or a loved one suffer injuries from dog bites, then you may file an injury claim against the dog’s owner under the following circumstances:
- The owner knew the dog had a history of biting or aggressive behavior.
- The owner’s negligence failed to prevent the dog from biting.
You would have to be within the statute of limitations to bring an injury claim against the owner. There are also certain nuances that could apply to your case. The prior history of the dog, extent of the injuries or age of the victim could also influence the outcome of the case.
Should I File a Dog Bite Lawsuit?
Dog attacks can result in scarring or disfigurement. Some dog attack victims may even require amputations. Emotional trauma is also possible after experiencing or witnessing a dog attack. Children are more likely to suffer these types of injuries because they are smaller and unable to defend themselves. Compensation from a lawsuit could help pay for the costs incurred by a dog attack. Therefore, it could be in your best interest to consider filing a personal injury claim against the owner.
Austin personal injury lawyer Aaron Allison could answer any questions you may have about filing a dog bite injury claim in Texas. It costs nothing to call the Law Offices of Aaron Allison to determine your available legal options.
