When a dog attacks, the outcome can be physically and emotionally devastating for the victim. Dog bites can cause severe injuries and trauma that may last for the rest of the victim’s life. In Texas, state liability laws allow dog bite injury victims to seek justice and financial compensation for their losses through personal injury claims. An Austin dog bite injury lawyer is here to help you navigate these complex claims.
Unlike many other states, Texas does not have a specific dog bite statute. Instead, it relies on case precedence to determine who can be held liable, or financially responsible, for a harmful dog attack. In general, the Texas courts use a one-bite rule when determining liability, as established in the case Marshall v. Ranne.
The one-bite rule is a doctrine that states that a dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by a dog if the owner knew or reasonably should have known that the dog had the propensity to be aggressive, vicious or dangerous; for example, if the dog had bitten someone before. In this scenario, the owner can be held liable for negligently failing to prevent subsequent bites.
Texas law also allows a dog bite injury claim to be filed on the basis of negligence, or a pet owner’s failure to use reasonable or ordinary care in preventing a dog bite incident. If evidence shows that the pet owner failed to meet the accepted standards of care in preventing an attack, the owner can be held liable for a dog bite injury.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Texas?
Liability for a dog bite in Texas can go to multiple parties, depending on the circumstances of the incident and who was involved. You may need a dog bite injury lawyer to investigate the event and determine who can be named as a defendant in your case.
Possibilities include:
- Dog owner or controller. Pet owners in Texas are responsible for safely controlling their dogs to prevent harm to others. If someone other than the owner was in control of the dog at the time of the bite, such as a dog walker, this individual could also be held liable.
- Property owner or landlord. Under the rules of premises liability in Texas, the owner or controller of a property could be held responsible for a dog attack if he or she ignored or failed to address a known dangerous dog on the premises.
- The government. If you were attacked by a dog in a public place, such as a city-owned park, you may be able to hold the government responsible for negligently failing to maintain a safe premises.
Gathering evidence to prove liability during a dog bite injury claim is easier with help from an experienced San Antonio personal injury attorney. An attorney can collect proof to support your claim, such as accident reports and witness statements.
An Attorney Can Help You Navigate Dog Bite Liability Laws in Texas
For the strongest possible dog bite injury claim, consult with an attorney right away after the injury occurs. An attorney can explain the Texas laws that are relevant to your case and guide you through them as you seek fair financial compensation from one or more parties.
For tailored information about your specific claim, contact our attorneys for a free dog bite injury consultation. We will help you determine and prove liability to maximize your recovery during this difficult time.