How Dog Bite Injuries Happen in Texas

Dog Bite Injuries in Texas

More than 43% of Texas households own a dog, according to a report from the American Veterinary Medical Association, published by pet insurance marketplace PawlicyAdvisor. Unfortunately, some dog owners don’t take pet ownership seriously, which can result in devastating injuries or even kill an innocent person. Our expert Texas dog bite attorneys are breaking down the most common ways that these injuries can happen and what to do if you are hurt by a dog bite or attack.

Common Ways That Dog Bite Injuries Happen in Texas

Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with children making up a majority of the victims, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Often, dogs who are improperly trained or handled by their owners can become dangerous around people. Sometimes rescue dogs who survived an abusive past can be instantly triggered and lash out. The most common ways that these dog bite injuries happen can be classified into three categories:

1. Unmaintained fences by a property owner or landlord. Our firm helped an injured client in Texas get justice after he was attacked multiple times in his own backyard by a neighbor’s dog that broke through a privacy fence that was not properly maintained. 
2. An unleashed dog in a public or shared area such as a park or a restaurant patio. This should be a no-brainer, but using a leash helps owners have better control of a dog’s behavior if a dog suddenly feels threatened or territorial.
3. In a home where the owner or landlord is aware of the dog’s aggressive behavior. Responsible owners should put dogs that may feel scared or threatened by strangers in another room or in a locked crate to keep the dog and visitors safe. 

To prevent your dog from biting or attacking anyone, proper training and socializing can go a long way. The Insurance Information Institute offers additional tips to help dog owners be more responsible.

Holding Negligent Dog Owners in Texas Responsible after a Dog Bite Injury

In Texas, premises liability laws classify pets as a type of property. People who are attacked by a dog or dangerous animal can hold the negligent dog owner accountable and seek compensation, or damages, to cover:

• Medical expenses, including doctor visits, pricey surgery bills, and medication costs
• Lost wages from missing work while recovering from a dog bite injury or helping your child seek medical treatment and heal if they have sustained injuries from a dog bite
• Future expenses to manage recovering from injuries
• Loss of enjoyment of activities
• Obvious scarring or other changes to the body
• Pain and suffering

Sadly, 78 people in Texas have been killed by dog bites and attacks since 2005, according to the nonprofit advocacy group DogsBite.org. That is scary to think about. If the unspeakable happens to your family, our compassionate and experienced Texas wrongful death attorneys will fight to help your family get justice and seek compensation to cover:

• Funeral expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to a loved one passing away
• Unexpected costly fees

Our Texas Dog Bite Lawyers Are Ready to Help 

If you or a loved one was attacked by a dog or animal, contact our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at The Button Law Firm by calling us at 214-699-4409 or filling out a contact form for a free consultation. The laws are not straightforward with these cases, so this is where our expert team can help you. With attorneys in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, we can guide you after a traumatizing incident involving a dog bite or animal attack and determine the best path forward. At The Button Law Firm, we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case.