Police dogs, also known as K9s, are part of law enforcement in Texas. Police dogs are legally considered police officers, which provides them with legal protections in the event of a dog bite injury. However, this does not mean there are no legal remedies available when an on-duty K9 officer bites unjustly or with excessive force. If you were injured in an attack, speak with a San Antonio dog bite lawyer immediately.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
The first thing you should do after being attacked by a police dog in Texas is to get professional medical care. If you are being held in police custody, the police are legally required to provide you with necessary medical care. If they do not, this is a violation of your civil rights.
Getting attacked by a police dog in Texas can be both physically and emotionally traumatic. Due to a K9’s training, these animals typically engage in bite-and-hold techniques with suspects, which can increase the severity of a victim’s physical injuries.
Although it is rare, police dog attacks have resulted in life-threatening and fatal injuries. The nature of a K9 unit attack can also be significantly mentally and psychologically traumatizing for the victim, potentially inflicting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a new phobia of dogs.
Document Your Injuries
If you receive medical treatment for a police dog bite injury, ask for copies of your medical records. Keep copies of any bills sent to you by health care providers. Take pictures of your physical injuries as they heal and create an injury journal with daily updates. If you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions due to the attack, see a therapist or psychiatrist. Document your treatments and care.
Learn When a Police Dog Attack Is and Is Not Justified
The next step on your journey is to start considering your legal rights. Police dogs in Texas are legally allowed to attack, bite and even injure individuals if these actions are justified. If the animal was acting as an on-duty K9 officer and its handler had reasonable suspicion that a crime was committed, a police dog attack could leave you without legal options for a financial recovery. You will be responsible for paying for any necessary medical care out of pocket. However, this is not always the case.
File a Complaint and Report the Bite
If the police dog attack was unjustified or the K9 attacked you with excessive force, you may have grounds to file a claim for your injuries. You could be entitled to financial compensation for a civil rights violation under 42 U.S. Code § 1983.
Start your case by filing an official complaint. In Texas, you must file a notice of claim with the correct government agency in your city or county within the deadline. This can be as short as 45 days, depending on the municipality.
Discuss Your Legal Options With an Attorney
A civil lawsuit against the government, the police department, the K9 handler or a dog trainer could provide you with justice and fair financial compensation for your injuries. For the strongest possible injury claim, hire an experienced dog bite injury attorney to represent you. These cases can be complex and difficult to prove.
A lawyer can gather evidence to build and support your injury case, such as testimony from K9 unit experts, medical experts and eyewitnesses. Your attorney can also use photographs, video footage, incident reports, K9 unit records, the police dog’s training records and other forms of evidence to help prove your case.
Do not hesitate to contact a dog bite injury attorney immediately after a police dog attack. You have legal rights that may involve both the criminal and civil justice systems in Texas. Your personal injury attorney will work for you and be on your side. Contact Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation with an attorney.