Texas Dog Bite Attorney

Dogs are generally considered to be man’s best friend, and there is a reason for that. Most dogs are friendly and loving, and research has even shown that having a dog can have positive health benefits. Unfortunately, not all dog encounters end with smiles. Sometimes dogs bite, and a single bite can often turn into multiple bites or even a vicious attack. If you have been bitten by a dog, you need an experienced attorney on your side who knows the law on dog bites. The team of Dallas personal injury lawyers at Bush & Bush Law Group has years of experience working on behalf of injured clients, and we know the ins and outs of Texas dog bite cases. Contact our office today for a free consultation.

Why Hire Our Firm?

Dog bite cases can be difficult for everyone involved. Emotions usually run very high after a dog bite, and the local authorities may get involved as well. The attorneys at Bush & Bush Law Group have experience holding dog owners responsible when their dog bites an innocent victim. We can help you fully investigate the situation and understand the extent of your injuries. We will fight tirelessly to make sure you get the compensation that you are legally owed. You never pay an attorney’s fee unless we win your case, so give us a call today to let us get started.

Common Injuries Resulting From Dog Bites

Dog bite injuries can range from minor injuries resulting from a single bite to severe injuries from multiple bites. A dog has sharp teeth and very powerful jaws, and a dog bite can do a lot of damage. Some dog bite injuries can even have permanent effects. Some common types of injuries resulting from dog bites include the following:

• Lacerations
• Puncture wounds
• Nerve damage
• Damaged tendons and ligaments
• Infections
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement

A dog bite is a serious situation, and you should always seek immediate medical attention after being bitten. Treatment for more severe injuries may require surgery, physical therapy, and other ongoing treatments. Medical expenses for these treatments can add up quickly, so make sure you have an experienced Dallas dog bite attorney on your side who can work to get you a fair recovery for your injuries.

Liability For A Dog Bite

You may have heard of the “one free bite rule” when it comes to dog bites. Texas follows the “one bite rule,” which means that owners may not be automatically responsible for bites if the dog has never shown aggressive behavior in the past. Once the owner becomes aware of the dog’s hostile tendencies or its prior history of biting, the owner is liable for future bite events involving the dog. Once the owner has this knowledge, they should take reasonable steps and precautions to prevent the dog from biting anyone in the future.

Mandatory Reporting Of Dog Bites

When a dog bite happens in Texas, there is some mandatory reporting that must take place. Dog owners and medical professionals are required to report dog bites to their local animal control agency. The owner must report the dog bite within 24 hours of the incident, and medical professionals must report each time a patient seeks treatment for a dog bite. The purpose of the reporting is to help the local authorities maintain a history of the dog’s behavior and to help prevent future bites or attacks. Additionally, the local animal control authority can investigate the situation and help prevent the spread of rabies.

Quarantine Requirements After A Dog Bite

After a dog bites someone, the dog must be quarantined for a 10-day period (25 Tex. Admin. Code § 169.27). The purpose of the quarantine is to help maintain public safety because officials must determine whether the dog was carrying rabies. The dog will typically be quarantined at a veterinary facility, although the dog may be quarantined at the owner’s home if certain criteria are met. The cost of the quarantine will be the owner’s responsibility.

During the quarantine, the dog will be monitored for signs of rabies or other potentially dangerous conditions. If no symptoms are present, the dog may be released back to the owner once the quarantine is completed as long as it is also determined that the dog is not vicious. If, however, the dog exhibits signs of rabies or is labeled as vicious, euthanasia may be required.

What To Do After A Dog Bite

The moments immediately after a dog bite are crucial both for your well-being and any future litigation. First, you should seek medical attention right away for any emergency medical needs. Your health should be your first priority. Next, report the bite to your local animal control authority. They will need to investigate the situation. The sooner you report the bite, the more likely they can preserve evidence that might be needed later.

If possible, gather as much information about the dog as you can. The information you might need includes the owner’s name and address, the dog breed, the location of the incident, and contact information for any eyewitnesses. Once Animal Control finishes their investigation of the bite incident, you will want to obtain a copy of its dog bite report. This report should include pertinent information, such as the owner’s contact information, the dog’s medical history, and possibly even notes and information about previous bites.

Finally, make sure you contact a personal injury attorney with experience handling Texas dog bite cases. Your attorney can help you with the investigation and make sure evidence is preserved for future use. The team at Bush & Bush Law Group is ready and able to help you with your dog bite claim today.

Speak To A Dallas Dog Bite Attorney Now

If you have been the victim of a dog bite in the Dallas area, you need to make sure your legal rights are protected. The attorneys at Bush & Bush Law Group know the complexities of dog bite cases, and we can help you through the entire process. When owners know their dog has a propensity to bite, they need to be held accountable for injuries that occur after a bite. Let our team help you get the compensation that you are legally entitled to. Give us a call today at (469) 977-7777 to get started.