This blog recently discussed the importance of dog bite victims seeking the medical care and attention they need following a dog bite. It is also important for victims and their families to be familiar with dog bite laws and how they can protect them following a dog attack.
Dog bite laws in Texas
Dog bite laws provide important protections for victims which can help with their damages following a dog bite injury. In Texas, a pet owner can be held strictly liable for damages caused by a dog or other animal known to be dangerous or have dangerous propensities. If the dog or other animal has not bitten anyone before, the victim must demonstrate that the dog was vicious to recover compensation for their damages.
If the dog has not bitten anyone before, and the owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous, then the dog bite victim will need to prove that the dog owner was negligent to recover compensation for their damages. If the dog owner had reason to know that the dog was dangerous, the owner can be strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dog. Dog owners can also be criminally liable in Texas following a dog attack.
A personal injury claim for damages following a dog attack can help the victim recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages if applicable and for the trauma associated with a dog attack. Victims can seek compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages which is why they should be familiar with the legal protections available to them.
