512-520-8100

Available 24/7 For Help

Dog Bites

Austin Dog Bite Attorney

Understanding Dog Bite Lawsuits in Texas

Dogs bring joy to millions of American households across the country, and many consider their canine companions to be a part of the family. Unfortunately, the sheer number of dogs in the country also means there are many dog bites reported every year – according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 4.5 million dog bites occur annually, and one in five people who have suffered bite injuries require medical attention. If you or someone you loved has been bitten and injured by a dog, you may have acquired your fair share of medical bills and lost income, but you shouldn’t have to pay out of your own pocket.

Chris Morrow Law, PLLC represents everyday Texans who have been injured in accidents and can hold the dog’s owner responsible for the damages caused. Our Austin dog bite lawyer is available 24/7 for clients in need and can get you the compensation you need thanks to Texas’s one-bite rule.

Our lawyer is on standby and ready to meet with you personally. Contact us online or by phone for a free consultation regarding your injuries at (512) 520-8100.

What Are Texas’s Dog Bite Laws?

Not all states have the same laws governing personal injury claims, including dog bite claims. Texas abides by what is known as the “one bite rule,” which states that a dog’s owner can be strictly liable for any damages caused by an animal that is known to be dangerous or could be dangerous. If the dog doesn’t have a history of biting others, the injured individual will have to prove that the dog was aggressive in order to recover damages in their claim.

An individual can obtain compensation when they establish that the dog owner was negligent in handling their dog. To do this, the victim must prove the following:

  • The owner owns or possesses the animal in question
  • The owner owed a duty of care to prevent the animal from harming others
  • The owner failed to meet this duty
  • The failure caused the individual’s injuries

This negligence rule in Texas doesn’t just apply to the injuries people get from bites – it can also apply to related injuries. One example is if the dog jumps on the victims and knocks them over, causing them to hit their head or suffer a neck injury. Another is if the dog stands on the victim and is heavy enough to cause crushing injuries.

What If the Owner Had a Beware of Dog Sign?

Some dog owners think they’ll be protected from legal action if they post a “beware of dog” sign in their yard or around their property to warn passerby, but this isn’t enough to help them evade liability. In Texas, owners of dangerous dogs must have secure enclosures that are locked and prevent their dogs from escaping as well as other people from entering. The enclosure must be specifically labeled as containing a dangerous dog and be inspected by local animal control.

Whether you were attacked by a dog that is known to be vicious or an unfamiliar dog that doesn’t have a history of biting others, you need to be represented by a personal injury attorney that understands our state laws and knows how to get results. Chris Morrow has nearly 30 years of litigation experience that he can use to protect your rights to compensation and go to trial if necessary.

For a free consultation regarding your dog bite case in English or Spanish, reach out to our caring dog bite attorney in Austin at (512) 520-8100. Your recovery is our priority.

Dangers of Dog Bite Injuries

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Some people think dog bites are minor and don’t need to be treated, but the reality is that dog bites can become infected if not cleaned properly. Others can be so deep that they penetrate muscle and some even tear off body parts.

Some possible complications that can arise from a dog bite include:

  • Infections from bacteria in a dog’s mouth like capnocytophaga or pasteruella
  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Rabies
  • Tetanus
  • Nerve and muscle damage
  • Scarring, which may require skin grafting or plastic surgery

Some people end up passing away after being bitten by dogs, and though this is a rarer occurrence, about 70 percent of deaths happen to children below the age of 10.

Individuals who get treated for their injuries are often surprised to discover just how much it costs to heal. Dog bites can require plastic surgery or skin grafting if they’re serious enough as well as hospitalization, all of which can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. You may also be dealing with lost income from missing work, as well as lingering trauma that can impact you for years to come. You deserve to be compensated for all you’ve had to deal with after being bitten by an aggressive dog.

Our dog bite lawyer in Austin is standing by to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (512) 520-8100 today to get started.

Speak with Chris Morrow Today

Free & Confidential Consultation
Name

Practice Areas

Car Accidents

Car Accidents

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle Accidents

Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian Accidents

Premises Liability

Premises Liability

Product Liability

Product Liability

Truck Accidents

Truck Accidents

Work Injuries

Work Injuries

Wrongful Death

Wrongful Death

Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle Accidents

Personal Injury

Personal Injury

Catastrophic Injury

Catastrophic Injury

Testimonials

© 2024 Chris Morrow Law, PLLC All rights reserved.

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy

Growth Lab Seo

Skip to content