Belton Dog Bite Lawyer
A dog bite can be painful and leave long-term or permanent scars. If a pet owner failed to protect you from their dog, they could be held liable for all of your damages including medical expenses. You should retain the services of a seasoned Belton dog bite lawyer as soon as possible following an attack. A diligent personal injury attorney can help you determine your best legal options.
Canine Bite Laws in Texas
Legal professionals who represent canine attack cases can use negligence and the “one bite rule” to fight for damages. The one bite rule states that defendants of dogs who harm respective plaintiffs become liable if they knew their pets were community dangers but did nothing. For example, if a dog was witnessed by several neighbors acting aggressively and eventually bit someone, the owner faces legal charges. However, if the owner did not have prior knowledge of the canine’s violent tendencies, they are not liable on the grounds of “one free bite.”
If it is not possible to accuse a dog owner on the basis of strict liability or the one bite rule, negligence provides another avenue. Suppose a canine was allowed to roam the neighborhood because the owner did not erect fencing or use leashes to keep the dog on premise. If the pet attacked someone, the victim can claim negligence on the owner’s part.
Types of Injuries From Canine-Related Injuries
In a canine attack, a person could sustain severe injuries such as:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Ligament and nerve damage in the extremities
- Eye injuries
- Infections from dog mouth and nail bacteria
- Emotional and psychological injuries
- Fatalities
A diligent dog bite attorney could review the facts of the case and hold the negligent party accountable for damages.
What Are Common Dog Bite Defenses?
Owners of dogs who bit or otherwise attacked people can defend themselves on different grounds. If someone was trespassing on the owner’s land, the owner can argue against duty of care requirements. Since the person was on the property illegally, perhaps with the intention of vandalizing or stealing, they typically cannot recover damages for any injuries they sustain.
An owner can also claim that the plaintiff was taunting, teasing, or hurting their pet. If the dog attacked the individual out of fear, the owner is probably not liable. Any plaintiff who is deemed more than 50 percent to blame for their canine bite injuries cannot request damages as per the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Title 2, Chapter 33, Section 822.05.
Schedule a Meeting With a Legal Professional Who Works on Dog Attack Cases
If a canine recently attacked you, contact a Belton dog bite lawyer to get started on your case. You may be entitled to economic damages, such as medical care and physical therapy, as well as non-economic damages, including pain and suffering. Call today to schedule a consultation.
