In the hot Texas summer, it seems a given that you will encounter a number of dogs at breweries, bars, and public parks. The reality is, however, no matter how much we love our dogs, they are still animals. Most dog owners are able to train aggressive behaviors out of their dogs, but a negligent owner can result in a danger to the Houston public.
The state of Texas allows victims legal avenues to seek fair compensation in the aftermath of a dog bite. However, without the guidance of a qualified personal injury lawyer, victims may not make the necessary choices they need to receive full compensation for their damages.
Have You or a Loved Suffered a Dog Bite in Houston?If an owner knowingly brings an aggressive dog around unfamiliar people, the result can be dangerous. If you or a loved one have suffered a dangerous dog attack, you have felt firsthand how terrifying the shift from a docile pup to violent animal can be. Severe dog bites can leave victims with:
Disfiguring ScarsMany dogs bite their victims on the face, potentially causing disfigurement or facial paralysis. These injuries can leave victims with long-term emotional trauma caused by socially isolating disfigurement.
Open woundsA dog’s sharp canines can inflict deep wounds that will require stitches to heal. The severity of these wounds and bacteria around the dog’s mouth can cause severe infection or the development of sepsis.
Muscle and Nerve DamageDog bites do not just affect the victim’s exterior; the strength of a dog’s jaws can crush muscle tissue and deep bites can damage the nervous system.
Emotional TraumaBeing attacked by a dog can activate a trauma response in victims. Many victims may suffer from post traumatic stress disorder after their attack.
While any one can become the victim of a dog attack, children are the most likely to suffer these injuries due to their size and their eagerness to interact with strange animals. The younger the victim, the more likely dog bites are to leave lasting physical and mental damage.
Filing Your Dog Bite Injury LawsuitMost dog bite injury lawsuits in Houston are filed according to Texas’ premises liability laws. Because the dog would be considered the property of the owner, the dog’s owner would be held liable for the injuries their animal inflicted on others.
In practice, proving that a dog owner should be held liable for their dog’s aggressive behavior can be more complicated. Texas is a “one bite rule” state, meaning that the owner of a dog who has a record of at least one other bite can be held liable for any further damages caused by their pet. However, if your Houston dog bite injury attorney can prove the owner had knowledge of their dog’s aggressive behavior or personality, you may still be able to hold them financially liable for your injuries even if the animal in question has no previous bites on record. Once the owner’s liability has been clearly established, they can be held financially responsible for your injuries.
Call the Houston Personal Injury Attorneys at Carabin ShawDo you need help seeking compensation after suffering a dog bite in Houston? The team of premises liability attorneys of Carabin Shaw have helped many victims of aggressive dog attacks to recover the full cost of their damages. Our thirty year career in representing Texas accident victims has earned us many positive testimonies from accident victims like you on Carabin Shaw’s client reviews page. With a “client-first” motto and dedication to quality representation, our attorneys are committed to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Filing a dog bite injury claim is easy when you are represented by a Carabin Shaw injury attorney. To schedule your no-cost, no-obligation initial consultation with a Carabin Shaw Texas dog bite attorney, contact our 24/7 English and Spanish-speaking staff toll-free at 800-862-1260.