Dog walking apps such as Rover and Wag! are popular ways for pet owners to hire help when their pets need exercise or care. Unfortunately, these apps can also open the door to serious dog attacks and dog bite injuries. If walking a client’s dog results in a bite injury in Texas, you may be eligible for financial compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit with the help of a dog bite lawyer in Houston.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Attack Involving a Dog Walking App in Texas?
If a dog injures someone who was hired to walk or feed it, liability (financial responsibility) for the victim’s medical bills and other losses will depend on the situation. In general, Texas abides by a one-bite rule when it comes to determining liability for dog bite injuries.
This means a dog owner can be held liable if the owner knew or reasonably should have known that the dog had a propensity for viciousness. However, in a dog bite situation involving someone hired through a dog walking app, multiple parties could potentially be held liable.
The Dog Walker
If the dog walker violated Texas’ leash law, failed to follow the pet owner’s instructions, acted negligently or carelessly, or provoked the dog, the walker could be held liable for his or her own injuries. If the dog was injured due to the walker’s negligence, the walker could also be held accountable for vet bills or other losses suffered by the pet owner.
The Dog Owner
If the owner was negligent in some way that resulted in a hired dog walker getting injured, the pet owner’s insurance company may be held liable for the victim’s medical bills. If the pet owner failed to warn the walker about previous times when the pet attacked others, for example, Texas law could hold the owner responsible.
The Dog Walking App
Most individuals hired through dog walking apps in Texas are independent contractors – not employees of the company or platform. This means the app often cannot be held vicariously liable for incidents. However, if the platform failed to conduct background checks on walkers or ignored complaints, this could lead to app liability.
Can I Recover Compensation From the Dog Walking App Company?
Whether or not you qualify for financial compensation from a dog walking app after an incident in Texas will depend on the circumstances. If you are a pet owner who encountered problems with the person hired on a dog walking app, such as animal abuse, you may be able to file a claim against the app for negligently hiring or retaining the individual.
If you were harmed as a dog walker, the app you used to connect you to the pet owner could be held liable if it caused or contributed to the incident; for example, if it misrepresented the insurance coverage available. The app may also offer some type of insurance to help you pay for your injuries. Rover Guarantee, for example, offers up to $25,000 in limited liability coverage and veterinary care.
How to Protect Yourself as a Dog Walker or Pet Owner in Texas
Insurance offered by dog walking apps is often limited. Many policies only cover injuries caused to the dog, for example, not the dog walker or third parties. Some policies also contain certain breed exclusions.
The best way to protect yourself is with personal insurance. It may be in your best interest to purchase general liability insurance as a pet owner to cover any injuries caused to someone else by your dog. Homeowners and renters insurance also offer certain coverage for injuries caused by a pet.
If dog walking is a source of revenue for you as an independent business, consider commercial insurance to cover you in the event of an incident. If a dog escapes on your watch and injures someone, for example, your personal insurance could cover any related legal costs.
Whether you were harmed in a Texas dog attack as a dog walker or your pet injured someone, discuss app liability and your legal options with an attorney. Contact Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule an appointment for a free consultation in San Antonio.