If a pet owner knows a dog presents a potential threat to property visitors, he or she may put up “Beware of Dog” signs to warn visitors. A pet owner may be overconfident that this is enough to avoid liability (legal responsibility) for any injuries the dog may inflict. In Texas, however, a property owner can still be held liable for a dog attack even if these signs were present. A dog bite lawyer in San Antonio can help you if you were injured from a dog bite accident.
In General, a “Beware of Dog” Sign Is Not a Solid Legal Defense
Whether or not a “Beware of Dog” sign protects a property owner from liability for a dog attack depends on the circumstances. In general, however, this type of sign is not a strong legal protection or defense against liability in a dog bite injury case in Texas. Simply posting a warning sign is not enough to fulfill the property owner’s responsibility to prevent foreseeable dog attacks, in most cases.
If the pet owner knew or reasonably should have known that the animal was vicious based on a previous attack, a warning sign alone may not be enough to shield the pet owner from liability if the animal were to attack someone else. However, it could be enough to protect against liability for injuries suffered by a trespasser, or someone who does not have permission or legal authority to enter the property.
When Can a Pet Owner in Texas Be Held Liable for a Dog Attack?
In Texas, a “one-bite” rule can protect pet owners from liability for a victim’s damages if it is the first time the dog attacked or showed vicious propensities. However, if evidence shows that the pet owner knew or reasonably should have known that the dog may be vicious, he or she can be held liable for an injury under Texas’s one-bite law.
Another legal doctrine that may be used against a pet owner to pursue financial compensation for a dog bite injury is negligence. Negligence is the failure to act with a reasonable or appropriate level of care to prevent injury to others. If a pet owner in Texas violates his or her duty to keep the public safe from a potentially dangerous pet, this can be enough to hold the owner responsible for an attack.
A Warning Sign May Not Fulfill the Duty of Care
A “Beware of Dog” sign could be used as a defense to fight a negligence claim during a dog bite injury case, in some cases. Putting the sign in a conspicuous location on the premises could be viewed as a measure to ensure visitors’ safety, which could protect the owner from liability under Texas’s premises liability laws.
However, this action alone is often not enough to fulfill the pet owner’s duty of care, which is to prevent his or her dog from injuring property visitors. Fulfilling this duty may require containing the dog on the property when there are visitors, using secure fences or enclosures, properly training the dog, following Texas’s leash laws, muzzling the dog, or directly informing visitors about the dog when they enter the premises.
Were You Injured in a Dog Attack in Texas? An Attorney Can Help
If you or someone you love was attacked by a dog in Texas, you may be eligible for financial compensation from the pet owner – even if there was a “Beware of Dog” sign posted on the property. This type of sign does not automatically protect the owner from legal responsibility for dog bite injuries. Discuss your case and legal rights with an injury attorney in San Antonio to find out if you have grounds to bring a claim against a pet owner in Texas.
To request a free case consultation with an experienced dog bite injury lawyer, contact Hill Law Firm Accident and Injury Attorneys at (210) 960-3939. Call us today.