Lakeway Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites can leave a person with long-lasting trauma, even when the injuries have fully healed. This is especially true when it comes to animal attacks that involve young children. From scarring to the risk of infection, the health consequences that come with these bites cannot be taken lightly.

When you are bitten by a dog, the owner could be liable to you for damages. A skilled personal injury attorney can review the facts surrounding the attack to determine whether you have a viable case for compensation.

Understanding Dog Bite Liability

Most states have adopted a statute regarding liability for animal attacks, but that is not the case in Texas. Instead, a Texas Supreme Court decision determines whether or not a dog owner is liable when they bite someone.

This court decision applies a legal standard referred to as the “one-bite rule.” Also known as the negligence standard, it requires the plaintiff to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous and was negligent in allowing the bite to happen.

When it comes to dog bite liability, proving negligence can be complex. In order for the injured person to establish negligence, they must demonstrate the owner or handler of the dog was aware of its aggressive or dangerous nature and failed to take appropriate measures to prevent harm. As a result, most dogs are granted one “free bite” because most owners can claim they are unaware their dog is dangerous. However, once a dog has bitten someone before, it is considered a dangerous animal, and its owner becomes strictly liable for any injuries caused by the dog.

One of the best ways to approach these cases involves using a city ordinance or leash law. Demonstrating that a dog owner failed to adhere to local regulations requiring leashing can be evidence of negligence. An attorney in Lakeway can review a dog bite case and evaluate local regulations.

Damages in a Dog Bite Case

The ultimate goal of a dog bite injury lawsuit is to recover a monetary award from the owner. These damages can come in different forms depending on the extent of a person’s injuries. A dog bite attorney in Lakeway can help recover the following types of compensation:

Medical Bills

The cost of medical treatment can be extensive when it comes to these injuries. In addition to emergency medical treatment, it is also frequently necessary to seek out ongoing care due to the risk of infection or scarring.

Lost Wages

In some situations, the extent of the injuries could prevent a person from returning to work. Whether this is the case in the short- or long-term, a civil suit could provide the option to replace those lost wages.

Pain and Suffering

Dog bites are known to be painful. The punctures and lacerations to the skin are never pleasant, but this pain can be significant when nerve damage is involved. An attorney could help the injured person determine what their pain and suffering claim is worth.

Contact a Lakeway Dog Bite Attorney Today

The owner could be held civilly liable when you suffer an injury during an animal attack. This often requires the filing of an injury lawsuit on your behalf. A Lakeway dog bite lawyer could serve as your advocate throughout this process. Call today to learn more.