Dog Bite Attorney in Angleton, TX

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Call Our Angleton TX Dog Bite Lawyer Now!

Angleton is a charming small town with a warm community and wagging tails! As much as we love our furry friends, accidents can happen. If you or a loved one sustained an injury from an animal attack, our experienced dog bite attorney in Angleton, TX, can help you.

Suffering a dog bite can be a traumatic experience, but it’s important to remember that you have legal rights as a victim. By seeking the assistance of our trusted dog bite attorney in Angleton, TX, you can navigate the legal process with confidence and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your damages.

Does a dog bite qualify as personal injury?

In Texas, we use the term “dog bites” to describe situations where a dog causes injury or harm to a person or another animal by using its teeth. While most dogs are friendly and well-behaved, there may be times when a dog becomes aggressive or fearful, resulting in a biting incident.

Dog bites are a concern not only for the individuals who are injured but also for the owners of the dogs involved. Texas personal injury law holds dog owners responsible for their pets’ actions, and there are regulations in place to protect both residents and animals. By understanding the reasons behind dog bites and taking preventative measures, we can create a safer and more harmonious environment for everyone here in Angleton.

What are the types of dog bite injuries?

Under Texas injury laws, dog bite injuries can vary in severity depending on the circumstances of the incident and the size and breed of the dog involved. Some common types of dog bite injuries include:

• Bone Fractures: Large or powerful dogs can potentially cause bone fractures if their bite exerts enough force.
• Contusions and Bruising: Some dog bites can lead to contusions and bruising, especially in areas with sensitive skin or underlying tissues.
• Infections: Dog bites carry a risk of infection, such as rabies, tetanus, or bacterial infections. Prompt medical attention and appropriate treatment are essential to preventing complications.
• Lacerations: In more aggressive or serious cases, a dog’s bite can result in deep cuts or lacerations that may require stitches or other medical intervention.
• Nerve Damage: In severe cases, dog bites can injure nerves, causing numbness, weakness, or loss of sensation in the affected area.
• Puncture Wounds: Dogs have sharp teeth, and their bites can sometimes cause deeper puncture wounds, which can be painful and carry a risk of infection.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Dogs can exert significant force with their jaws, leading to damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the bite area.
• Superficial Wounds: These are minor injuries that may include scratches, scrapes, or small puncture wounds. While they might not be severe, it’s essential to clean and treat these wounds promptly to prevent infections.

Does Texas have a one-bite rule for dogs?

In Texas, there is no specific statute that deals with dog bites. Many other states have laws that hold dog owners strictly liable, or always liable, any time a dog bites or attacks another person. 

However, Texas follows a negligence rule or one-bite rule for dogs. To hold a pet owner liable for the injury and sue for damages, you must prove that the owner was negligent in handling the dog. One way to do this is to show that the dog owner knew the animal had shown violent or aggressive behavior in the past.

There is one exception to this law. If victims can show that the dog owner knew the animal had bitten or attacked someone in the past, then the strict liability rule applies. In these cases, victims do not have to show that the owner did not take proper measures to control the dog.

Do you have to report a dog bite in Texas?

It is important to hold dog owners accountable for their pet’s actions, especially when they are aware of the dog’s violent history. To ensure that victims are properly compensated, it is important to report any dog bites or attacks to the authorities. In Angleton, you can report an incident to the Animal Services Department on the City of Angleton’s website.

Can I sue for a dog bite in Texas?

Absolutely! In Texas, you may be able to take legal action after being bitten or attacked by a dog. You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner or any other responsible parties.

We want to emphasize that a dog bite should not be taken lightly, as it can have a significant impact on the victim. Beyond the initial cuts and bruises, dog bites can lead to infections, scarring, disfigurement, and even long-lasting emotional distress.

We want to make sure that people who are hurt know what their rights are. Even though it may be harder to get compensation from dog owners in Texas than in other states, you still have legal choices. Before making a claim, you should talk to our dog bite attorney in Angleton, Texas. We can give you the advice and support you need to get through the process and get the money you’re owed.

How do I win my dog bite injury claim?

To win your personal injury claim, you and your attorney must be able to prove the dog owner’s negligent handling. Determining negligence in dog bite accidents involves looking at the situation surrounding the incident to see if the dog owner or responsible party acted in a way that didn’t meet their duty of care, resulting in the dog bite.

In Angleton and across Texas, negligence is one of the legal concepts used to hold dog owners liable for their pets’ actions. Here are some factors to consider when determining negligence in a dog bite accident:

• Knowledge of Aggressive Tendencies: If the dog owner was aware of their dog’s aggressive tendencies or previous history of biting, it could be considered negligent not to take appropriate precautions to prevent future incidents. This is often referred to as the “one bite” rule, which implies that the owner knew or should have known that the dog was potentially dangerous.
• Leash and Restraint: Texas law requires dogs to be on a leash when in public spaces unless they are confined to a secure enclosure. If the dog was not on a leash or properly restrained and this led to the bite, it may indicate negligence on the owner’s part.
• Supervision and Control: Negligence may be established if the dog was left unsupervised in a situation where a bite was likely to occur. For example, leaving an aggressive or poorly socialized dog unattended in a crowded area may constitute negligence.
• Violation of Local Regulations: If the dog owner violated any local ordinances or regulations related to dog ownership or restraint, it could be seen as negligent behavior.
• Provocation: Texas law recognizes that provocation can be a defense against dog bite liability. If the victim provoked the dog before the incident, it may reduce the owner’s liability.
• Failure to Provide Proper Training: If the dog owner failed to provide proper training or socialization to their dog, resulting in aggressive behavior, negligence may be established.
• History of Previous Incidents: If the dog had previously bitten someone or displayed aggressive behavior and the owner failed to take appropriate action to prevent future incidents, it may demonstrate negligence.

When it comes to dog bite accidents, it’s essential to conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine if negligence was involved. To get the best advice and evaluate the potential of a negligence claim, the best thing to do is to consult a Texas personal injury lawyer with experience in dog bite cases.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Texas

It’s important to take the right steps to protect yourself and ensure proper handling of a dog bite in Angleton, Texas. If you were the victim of a dog bite accident, here’s what you should do:

• Seek Medical Attention. Your health and safety are top priorities. After a dog bite, immediately seek medical attention, even if the injury seems minor. Dog bites can lead to infections or other complications, so it’s crucial to have a healthcare professional evaluate the wound.
• Identify the Dog and Owner: If possible, try to identify the dog that bit you and its owner. Obtain the owner’s contact information and the dog’s description, including any distinguishing characteristics.
• Document the Incident: Take photographs of your injuries, the location where the incident occurred, and any identifying details of the dog and owner. This documentation can be essential if legal action becomes necessary.
• Obtain Witness Information: If there were witnesses to the dog bite, try to get their contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable accounts of what happened and support your case if needed.
• Preserve Evidence: Keep any clothing or items that may have been damaged during the incident. These items can serve as evidence if legal proceedings occur.
• Know Your Legal Rights: Familiarize yourself with dog bite laws in Texas and Angleton. Texas follows a “one bite” rule, meaning the owner may be held liable for the dog’s actions if they were aware of the dog’s previous aggressive behavior. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and potential legal recourse.
• Cooperate with Authorities: Be cooperative with animal control, law enforcement, and any other authorities involved in the investigation.

If you or a loved one suffers from a dog bite injury, contact an experienced Dog Bite lawyer right away to establish liability. Call us today!

How much compensation can I get for a dog bite in Texas?

After filing a claim, dog bite victims can receive compensation and damages for any injury or loss they incurred as a result of the dog bite. This compensation can include medical expenses, lost income, scarring and disfigurement, property damages, emotional distress, punitive damages, pain and suffering, and more. Most of the time, people who don’t make a claim for this compensation do so because they don’t want to go to court against a friend or family member whose dog bit them.

Remember that the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance will most likely pay the compensation, not the individual, if you were on the dog owner’s property at the time of the bite or attack. In the event of a serious dog bite injury, this can also help guarantee that you obtain adequate compensation.

Injured by a Dog? Call Our Texas Dog Bite Lawyers!

If you were injured by a dog, our Angleton dog bite attorneys at Scott M. Brown & Associates can help. We have the experience to hold insurance companies and dog owners accountable for paying you the compensation you deserve. Call us today via phone or online to schedule a meeting with one of our attorneys.

With our experience in Texas dog bite laws, we know how to establish liability and hold negligent owners accountable for their pet’s actions. You don’t have to face this challenge alone; let us be your advocates.

Our priority is to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. We believe in creating safer communities and promoting responsible pet ownership. Remember, time is of the essence when dealing with dog bite cases in Texas. Let’s get you the justice and compensation you deserve. Your road to recovery starts with us!

For other legal matters, our team of Texas family law attorneys and criminal defense lawyers is ready to address any legal concern you have.