Answers from a Tenacious Attorney
A dog bite is a traumatic experience for the victim but also for a responsible dog owner. A person bitten or attacked by a dog may be left with a lifelong fear of all dogs, and an owner may be held liable to cover that victim’s ongoing expenses. Our firm represents victims, therefore we’ve compiled a list of answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive about dog bites. For more information, contact us with your personal questions.
How common are dog bites?
I was bitten by a dog. Can I win in court?
How can I prevent my fear-aggressive dog from biting someone?
What should I do if my neighbor has a vicious dog?
Call our Law Office for a free consultation
If you have been bitten by a dog or your dog has bitten someone, call our office immediately to determine your rights. We offer flexible hours, free initial consultations and contingency fee payment plans: no recovery, no fee. There is plenty of parking and access to public transportation. We will do home or hospital visits for clients who are unable to travel to our office.
How common are dog bites?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and children make up the majority of dog bite victims. In Texas, where many people own dogs, it is important to know your rights whether you’re the bite victim or the dog owner.
I was bitten by a dog. Can I win in court?
A dog owner in Texas is strictly liable for damages to a dog bite victim if the owner knew or should have known that the dog has aggressive tendencies toward humans. Liability may also attach under a negligence theory when a dog owner does not exercise proper control over a dog in a situation where it is reasonable that an attack could occur and injury resulted.
How can I prevent my fearful dog from biting someone?
If your dog is fear-aggressive toward humans, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances that he or she will attack:
Enroll in a dog obedience course.
Put up warning signs around your property that there is a dog.
Never let your dog off leash outside your own enclosed private property.
Make sure your dog gets enough food, water, exercise and proper vetting.
Always supervise your dog around children.
What should I do if my neighbor has a vicious dog?
A dog owner is ultimately responsible for his dog’s actions. If you know your neighbor has a vicious dog, you should suggest ways to tame the animal, such as attending a dog obedience course. Also, check to make sure the dog has received all the proper vaccinations. Under Texas law, if a dog bite victim provoked the dog in any way, the owner may be precluded from liability. Finally, make sure to protect yourself and your loved ones by adhering to the following guidelines:
Never approach the dog if it is unleashed.
Do not play with it roughly or interfere with it while it is eating.
Keep children away from the dog at all times.
Avoid attracting its attention as you pass by.
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