Austin Dog Bite Statistics- What Victims Need to Know When Pursuing a Claim

Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, but unfortunately, not every dog will always live up to this title. The CDC reports that more than 4.7 million attacks by dogs are reported yearly, with over 800,000 instances requiring hospitalization. This can result not only in grave physical harm, but can also leave victims with piling medical costs, severe emotional trauma, and growing uncertainty about how to move forward.

The Austin dog bite statistics are troubling, and if you have been a victim, it is important to understand your options. To guide you through the claims process, reach out to an attorney to recover damages and move forward.

The USPS released data revealing that Texas ranks second in the nation for most dog bites against postal workers, with 404 bites reported. It’s also been reported that dog attacks in Austin, Texas are on the rise, with a 15% increase in 2020 compared to 2019. Any Austin resident will know that it is a very dog-friendly city, but given the prevalence of dogs, attacks do happen.

Many factors can lead to dog bites. Certain breeds have stronger bites and thus can inflict greater damage, but any dog can potentially attack. Negligent owners, improperly trained dogs, or provocation (which can especially be a risk while they are eating, or if they are territorial) can all lead to attacks.

Interestingly, research also shows that dogs are more likely to bite on hot, sunny days – which Austin certainly sees a lot of.

If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, most importantly, seek medical attention. Getting prompt medical attention ensures that you can physically recover, and can help stop a worsening condition, i.e. infection, as a result of a dog bite.

Secondly, reach out to a skilled personal injury lawyer to learn how to proceed legally. Dog bites can lead to major losses, including huge medical costs and lost wages from missing work. When seeking compensation for dog bite injuries in Austin, you may also be able to recover additional damages, like pain and suffering or emotional distress for example.

The legalities involved after a dog bite leads to a complex and timely ordeal. In order to successfully make a case, it must be proven that there was negligence on behalf of the dog’s owner. Texas also operates under a law known as the “one-bite rule” which effectively protects dogs if they have no prior history of attacks.

When considering pursuing a dog bite claim in Texas, reach out to a trusted legal team to navigate the intricacies involved and put you in the best position for a successful and fair outcome in your case.

The Austin personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw are here to fight for you. Our commitment to fight for our clients to get the justice that they deserve is of the utmost importance to us. Our team will ensure that you are supported, informed, and advocated for every step of the way. You can clearly see from Carabin Shaw’s client reviews that we are dedicated to achieving results for our clients and helping them through the aftermath of such a traumatic event.

Call us toll-free at 800-862-1260 for a free case review. Our English AND Spanish-speaking staff is available 24/7 to assist you. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t pay if we don’t win. Reach out now to get started.

For more information:

• CDC
• CNN
• KVUE
• Bussiness Insider