Your Rights as a Dog Bite Victim in Texas
We help Texas dog bite victims understand their rights and pursue compensation for injuries and losses, offering experienced legal support through every step of the claim.
Your Rights as a Dog Bite Victim in Texas
Dog bites are a serious issue in Texas, with thousands of incidents reported each year leading to injuries, medical expenses, and emotional trauma. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, understanding your legal rights is crucial to ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. Texas law provides specific protection for victims, but navigating these rules can be complex without professional guidance. In this article, we’ll outline the key aspects of Texas dog bite laws, your rights as a victim, and why partnering with an experienced law firm like Payne, Powell, Truitt & Chandler can make all the difference in your claim.
Understanding Texas Dog Bite Laws
Texas does not have a specific civil statute solely dedicated to dog bites, but the state’s legal framework is shaped by court precedents and common law principles. The primary rule governing these cases is the “one-bite rule,” which holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries if they knew or should have known that their dog had dangerous tendencies—such as a prior bite, attempted bite, or aggressive behavior. This means that if the dog has a history of aggression and the owner was aware of it, they can be held accountable without the victim needing to prove negligence.
However, even if it’s the dog’s “first bite,” you may still have a strong case based on negligence. Under Texas law, dog owners have a duty to exercise reasonable care to prevent their animal from harming others. This could include failing to properly restrain the dog, violating leash laws, or allowing it to roam freely in a way that endangers the public. Negligence claims require proving that the owner’s breach of duty directly caused your injury, but they provide an important avenue for recovery when the one-bite rule doesn’t apply.
Additionally, Texas requires that all dog bites be reported to local animal control or the rabies control authority within 24 hours. This not only helps track potentially dangerous animals but also ensures the biting dog is quarantined or tested for rabies, protecting public health. State law mandates that dogs be vaccinated against rabies by four months of age, and failure to comply can strengthen a negligence claim.
Your Rights as a Dog Bite Victim
As a victim of a dog bite in Texas, you have several key rights designed to help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally:
- Right to Medical Treatment: You are entitled to immediate medical care for your injuries, including stitches, antibiotics, rabies shots if necessary, and any follow-up treatments. The dog owner may be liable for covering these costs.
- Right to Compensation: Depending on the circumstances, you can seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages due to time off work, pain and suffering, scarring or disfigurement, and even emotional distress. In severe cases, punitive damages may apply if the owner’s conduct was particularly reckless.
- Right to File a Claim or Lawsuit: You have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the dog owner or their insurance company. Texas gives you two years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit under the statute of limitations, so acting promptly is essential to preserve your rights.
- Right to a Safe Environment: If the bite occurred on public property or due to a violation of local ordinances (like leash laws), you may have additional grounds to hold property owners or municipalities accountable.
Remember, children are among the most common victims of severe dog bites, so if a minor is involved, parents or guardians can file on their behalf. Consulting a knowledgeable attorney early can help you document evidence, such as photos of injuries, witness statements, and medical records, to build a solid case.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident
To protect your rights and strengthen your claim, follow these steps immediately after a bite:
- 1.Seek Medical Attention: Even minor bites can lead to infections or complications—get treated right away.
- 2.Report the Incident: Contact local animal control to report the bite and ensure the dog is quarantined.
- 3.Gather Evidence: Take photos of the injury, the dog (if safe), and the location. Collect contact information from witnesses and the dog owner.
- 4.Avoid Direct Negotiations: Don’t sign anything or accept settlements from insurance companies without legal advice—they often undervalue claims.
Consult an Attorney: A skilled lawyer can evaluate your case, negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court if needed.
Why Choose Payne, Powell, Truitt & Chandler for Your Dog Bite Claim
When dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite, you need a legal team that understands Texas laws inside and out and fights tirelessly for your rights. At Payne, Powell, Truitt & Chandler, our experienced attorneys in Lubbock and across West Texas bring over 100 years of combined legal expertise to every case. Our firm has a proven track record in personal injury matters, including dog bite claims.
We prioritize our clients, offering personalized attention and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes. Whether negotiating a fair settlement or litigating in court, our team aims to hold negligent dog owners accountable. We serve communities in Lubbock, Post, Hereford, Eastern New Mexico and beyond, and we’re here to guide you through the complexities of your claim with transparency and dedication.