A dog attack is a scary experience that can have physical, mental and financial repercussions. You may even wonder if it’s worth a lawsuit. And if it is, who is held responsible?
Texas law surrounding dog bites is tricky due to the state’s one bite rule. This rule states that a victim can receive compensation from the dog’s owner only if the dog has bitten someone else in the past. The rule also stands if there’s reason to believe the dog would act aggressively due to its behavior or breed. A court will likely dismiss the case if the dog does not have a violent past or if the victim provoked the bite.
If there’s evidence that the one bite rule applies, however, the case may be worth pursuing.
Whose fault is it?
The easiest person to blame for a dog attack is their owner. However, responsibility can fall on the shoulders of many other people too:
- Liability can extend to anyone negligent in caring for the dog. Negligence refers to the failure to take proper care of the dog, which in your case, resulted in a bite. The dog’s sitter, trainer or walker could all have been negligent and therefore liable.
- Liability can include the landowner of the place where the dog lives. The property owner may also be liable if they knew there was a dangerous animal on the premises and failed to act. Landowners must maintain safe property.
Regardless of who is at fault, the important thing to understand is that you can seek justice for your suffering. You don’t deserve to deal with the trauma or lifelong consequences that can result from a dog bite. And you certainly don’t deserve to suffer from any financial setbacks.
