Texas is home to hundreds of stray dogs – animals without collars who may or may not belong to someone. If a stray dog bites or injures you, it can be difficult to seek financial compensation for your related medical bills and losses. Without a clear pet owner available to absorb liability, you may need help from a dog bite injury lawyer in San Antonio to move forward with a case.
The Pet Owner
A stray dog in Texas may have an owner. After getting injured by a dog with no owner present, call animal control authorities to capture the dog. They can check for a collar or scan the dog for a microchip that may have the owner’s information. If a pet owner is identified, he or she can be held liable, or financially responsible, for your dog bite injuries.
It is against the law in Texas to allow a dog to run at large or off-leash in public areas. Pet owners must keep their dogs curbed on a leash in public spaces or confined within a fence while on private property. Violating these laws by permitting a dog to run loose could place liability on the owner of the stray dog if it injures someone.
A Dog Keeper or Harborer
If a stray dog is living on someone’s property, that individual (or business) could be held liable for injuries caused by the dog – even if they do not claim ownership of the animal. Texas law describes these individuals as “keepers” if they have physical control over the dog and “harborers” if they are in possession and control of the premises where the dog lives.
Under this law, a private property owner or business could be held liable if a stray dog was knowingly living or staying on the property at the time of an attack. If a stray dog bites someone, such as a customer at a business, the owner or controller of the property could be held liable. This includes landlords in charge of rental properties.
A Pet Kennel
If a stray dog escaped from a pet kennel, doggy daycare or similar establishment, an employee may be held liable. The business owner could also be held vicariously liable for the actions of its employee. This may be the case if the dog is permitted to leave the property, whether this was accidental or intentional.
A Dog Walker
In a case involving a dog that was intentionally or unintentionally set free by a dog walker, this individual could be held responsible for any injuries the dog subsequently causes. Any individual who is temporarily responsible for the care and control of a dog takes on liability for the animal.
The Government
If a stray dog attack takes place on public property, the municipal government could be held liable. In San Antonio, claims against government entities abide by special rules and regulations. This includes a much shorter deadline than the average personal injury claim. Act quickly if you wish to take legal action against the government for a stray dog attack in a public place.
How to File a Claim for a Stray Dog Bite in Texas
If you get bitten by a stray dog in Texas, you may be eligible for financial compensation whether or not the owner of the dog can be identified. Discuss your case in detail with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers for more information. Our attorneys can carefully investigate the stray dog attack to identify potential parties that you may be able to hold responsible. Contact us today.