Although dogs are very easy animals to love, not everyone who owns a dog in Houston is responsible. The unfortunate truth is there a plenty of people who have dogs but fail to properly take care of them. Not only can an irresponsible owner put the welfare of a dog in jeopardy, they can also put members of the public at risk.
The most common example of what happens when someone doesn’t take proper care of their dog is the animal ends up biting someone else. If this happens to you or a member of your family, it’s important to take this issue very seriously. Even if you’re on the fence about whether or not the bite is serious, it’s always in your best interest to seek proper medical attention.
Dealing with a Dog Bite That Causes an Injury
Many breeds of dogs have very strong jaws. So if a dog attacks someone and bites them, it can cause a very serious injury. Taking care of this kind of injury can require expensive medical care. Depending on the severity of the bite, it may also mean that a person encounters other issues like an inability to work for a period of time or chronic pain in a specific part of the body.
All of the consequences of a dog bite injury can lead someone in Houston to seek fair compensation by filing a personal injury claim. In the state of Texas, there is not a statute that specifically deals with dog bites. Unlike many other states, Texas operates under what’s commonly known as the one free bite rule.
Ultimately, this common law provides that an individual can only hold an owner responsible and subsequently recover damages if there is proof that a dog previously bit someone else or showed that they wanted to do so. Without being able to show proof of a previous bite or any type of vicious propensities, an owner won’t be held liable for a dog bite.
Other Approaches to Dog Bite Claims in Houston
The complicated nature of the laws that surround dog bites in Houston and the rest of Texas demonstrate why it’s important to seek the counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney. Keep in mind that even if you don’t have any reason to believe a dog had previously bitten someone else, it’s still worth meeting with a personal injury lawyer in Houston.
The reason it’s worth your time is there may be other ways been an experienced lawyer can pursue a personal injury claim. Negligent handling, negligence per se, landlord liability and a comparative negligence defense are all examples of an approach that may be applicable to this type of claim.
Don’t hesitate any longer to reach out to a skilled Houston attorney for assistance. A dedicated attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you have the highest chance of recovering due compensation for your injuries.