Laredo Dog Bite

Dogs are affectionately known as “man’s best friend,” but they’re still animals and can be unpredictable. Even the most gentle and loved dogs can act aggressively and bite someone. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States and more than 800,000 people receive medical care for dog bites.

At times it can be difficult to know who is liable for a dog bite. If you or a loved one have suffered a serious dog bite in Laredo, Texas, you may be liable to receive compensation for injuries.

What Is the One Bite Rule?

Many states have different laws for determining who is at fault for a dog bite. Texas has the One Bite Rule, which means that the dog’s owner is liable for a dog bite if he or she knew that the dog could act in a harmful or aggressive way. The name stems from the idea that a dog gets one “free” bite, but it can also apply to other acts of aggression, including injuring someone from jumping up and knocking them down.

How Can You Prove Liability Under the One Bite Rule?

Laredo dog bite attorneys at Carabin Shaw have handled a number of dog bite cases under Texas’ One Bite Rule.

Someone will be held legally responsible for injuries that their dog inflicts if you can show:

• The dog has a tendency to act in a harmful or dangerous way
• The owner knew or should have known about the dog’s inclination toward aggression
• The dog’s inclination toward harmful behavior caused injury to a person

What If the Owner Was Negligent?

If a dog has not bitten someone or shown acts of aggression before, it can be more difficult to prove the owner is at fault. It is not impossible, however. Laredo has local laws for pet owners that are intended to help keep people like you safe from dog bites. These local laws will be helpful in filing a successful lawsuit. Laredo attorneys are experienced with local laws for pet owners and will fight for the compensation you are owed.

For instance, you still may be able to show that the owner is at fault by showing that he or she was negligent. Owners are responsible for caring for and supervising their dog. Negligence means that the owner showed lack of ordinary care, including not keeping a dog fenced in or leased.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

If you have been bitten by a dog, there are important steps you should take that will help you and your attorney build your claim:

• Obtain contact information from the pet’s owner and check to see if the dog has been properly vaccinated
• Obtain contact information from any eye witnesses
• Seek medical care for your injury
• Contact local authorities, including animal control, to report the bite
• Contact a lawyer to file a claim. You can find Carabin Shaw’s client reviews here.

What Can You Receive Compensation For?

Dog bite injuries can be painful and cause serious harm. If you have suffered a dog bite, you may be liable to receive compensation from the owner for expenses including but not limited to:

• Medical bills
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Lost wages due to missed work
• Pain and suffering

Free Initial Consultation at Carabin Shaw

If you are a victim of a dog bite injury, it’s important to act as soon as possible to file your claim. Our Laredo dog bite injury attorneys are available 24/7 to discuss your case. We offer a free case review / initial consultation and both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking staff are available. Call toll-free: 800-862-1260

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