A German Shepherd attack is a frightening experience that can leave you with serious injuries, expensive medical bills and questions about your legal options for pursuing a financial recovery. Knowing what steps to take after getting bitten by a German Shepherd can help you protect yourself physically and financially. Also, make sure to speak with an experienced Dallas dog bite attorney for legal guidance.
Why Do German Shepherds Attack?
German Shepherds are rated in the top five dog breeds for serious and fatal dog attacks. From 2005 to 2019, German Shepherds were responsible for 22 deaths in the United States, making up 4.2 percent of the total dog breeds involved in human fatality incidents.
While this breed is known for its protective nature and loyalty, they may attack if they feel scared, anxious, threatened or defensive. When a German Shepherd attacks, its size and bite force can cause severe injuries, including lacerations, puncture wounds, broken bones, facial injuries and internal injuries.
Get Medical Care
The first thing you should do after a harmful German Shepherd attack is to get medical care for your injuries. Wash the wound with warm water and soap. Control the bleeding, if necessary. Then, go to the nearest hospital.
Dog bite injuries require professional medical attention because they come with a risk of infection and diseases such as rabies. Keep copies of your medical records, x-rays, doctor’s notes and treatment plans associated with your dog bite injury.
Document the Bite Incident
Texas is not a strict liability state when it comes to dog bite injury cases; instead, it has a “one-bite” rule. This means a dog bite victim must prove that the dog had bitten someone previously or shown signs of aggression prior to the event. A previous bite incident places a duty of care on the pet owner to prevent future foreseeable attacks.
If this duty of care is breached, the pet owner can be held responsible for the victim’s injuries and losses. However, it is up to the victim to prove the case using evidence. You can start building your case right away by properly documenting the German Shepherd attack. Write down the dog and pet owner’s information, take photographs of your injuries, and document your losses.
Report the Attack
You should always report a dog bite injury to local animal control authorities, such as the City of San Antonio. Reporting the incident can lead to a mandatory quarantine of the German Shepherd to check for rabies. It also documents the dog’s history of viciousness to serve as evidence during an injury claim.
If the same dog is reported multiple times, it may be deemed a “dangerous dog” by the city. The owner of the dog will then be required to take special precautions to prevent additional attacks, such as muzzling the dog on walks.
Learn Your Rights
You have legal rights as the victim of a German Shepherd attack in Texas. When you are ready to seek financial compensation for your medical bills and other losses, contact a dog bite injury attorney for a free legal case review. An attorney can explain your rights under Texas’s dog bite laws and help you collect evidence to support your case. Filing a claim for a German Shepherd attack can deliver justice, closure and the compensation you need to move forward.