A dog bite injury from a Rottweiler could inflict severe injuries. If you or a loved one is bitten by a Rottweiler in Texas, it is essential to understand your rights and what steps to take to protect them. If you wish to pursue a dog bite injury claim after a Rottweiler attack, contact a Texas dog bite attorney for assistance.
Rottweiler Dog Bite Statistics
From 2005 to 2019, 521 victims in the United States died due to fatal dog bite injuries. The top two dog breeds involved in fatal attacks were pit bulls (66.4 percent) and Rottweilers (9.8 percent). Rottweilers were responsible for 51 deaths in this 15-year period. Texas is one of the top states in the country for deadly dog attacks. One study found that 15 percent of canine-related deaths in Texas over an eight-year period were inflicted by Rottweilers.
Steps to Take if You Are Bitten By a Rottweiler in Texas
The actions you take in the aftermath of a Rottweiler attack can help you protect yourself physically, emotionally, and financially. It is important to know what to do after any dog bite incident to get the care that you need and hold someone accountable for your related injuries and losses.
Here’s what to do:
- Seek immediate medical attention. The first step is to get prompt medical care, even if the Rottweiler bite seems minor. You may be at risk of infections and diseases, including rabies if the bite breaks the skin.
- Document as much as possible. While you are still at the scene of the dog attack, collect information from the pet owner and any eyewitnesses. If possible, take photographs of the dog, the setting of the incident, and your injuries.
- Report the Rottweiler attack. State law in Texas requires all animal bites to be reported to the authorities. In most cities in Texas, you can dial 311 to file a Rottweiler bite report. Otherwise, contact your local animal control authorities.
- Keep up with medical care. Follow your doctor’s treatment orders while you recover from the Rottweiler attack. Collect copies of all related medical bills and health care documents, including any x-rays and injury photographs.
- Consult with a Texas dog bite lawyer. Contact a personal injury attorney in Texas to discuss your legal options. The owner of the Rottweiler or another party may be held financially responsible (liable) for the attack, depending on the circumstances.
With these steps, you can protect your health and safety as much as possible and pursue fair financial compensation for your losses. You have the right to hire a Texas dog bite attorney at any phase of a dog bite injury claim.
How to Seek Compensation for a Rottweiler Bite Injury
Texas is unique in that it does not have a specific dog bite statute. Instead, it relies on other statutes and case precedents to determine dog bite liability on a case-by-case basis. In general, a Rottweiler owner in Texas can be held responsible if the dog had bitten someone previously or if the pet owner was negligent, meaning he or she failed to exercise proper care. Seek advice from a lawyer in your area, such as a Dallas dog bite attorney or a Houston dog bite lawyer, to better understand your legal options and how to pursue compensation for your injuries.
If the Rottweiler was off-leash in a public place against your city’s leash laws, for example, this could be proof of pet owner negligence that makes the owner accountable for a related bite incident. A Texas dog bite attorney from Hill Law Firm can investigate your case to search for evidence to support your injury claim. Contact us today to start your case with a free consultation.