Who Is Liable for Dog Bites in the State of Texas?

In Texas, liability for dog bites is determined through a combination of the "one bite rule" and negligence-based principles. Here's a detailed breakdown of liability in Texas regarding dog bites:

One Bite Rule: Texas has traditionally followed the "one bite rule." This means a dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog if:

• The owner knew that the dog had bitten someone before or had a tendency to bite without being provoked; or
• The injury was caused by the negligence of the dog owner.

Importantly, the name "one bite rule" is somewhat misleading. The victim does not necessarily need to prove that the dog has bitten someone before; they need to prove that the owner was aware of the dog's aggressive tendencies.

Negligence: If the dog bite occurred because the owner was careless or failed to control their dog, the owner could be held liable under general negligence principles. For instance, if a dog owner violates a local leash law and their dog bites someone as a result, this could be evidence of negligence.

Strict Liability: In some cases, strict liability can apply. This means that even if the owner did everything they could to prevent the bite, they could still be held liable if they knew the dog was dangerous.

Landlord Liability: Under certain circumstances, landlords can be held liable for dog bites that occur on their property. If the landlord knew or should have known about a tenant's dangerous dog and did not take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of others, they might be held responsible.

Defenses: Dog owners may have defenses available to them, like provocation. If someone provoked a dog into attacking, the owner might not be liable.

What Do I Need To Provide For A Dog Bite Claim?

If you're pursuing a dog bite claim, whether in Texas or any other jurisdiction, gathering comprehensive evidence and documentation is crucial. These pieces of evidence can help prove the dog owner's liability, the severity of your injuries, and any other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident. Here's a general list of what you may need to provide for a dog bite claim:

Medical Records:
• Detailed records of medical treatments you received as a result of the bite.
• Photographs of your injuries both immediately after the bite and as they heal.
• Documentation of any future medical treatments or surgeries you may need due to the bite.

Witness Statements:
• Names, addresses, and contact information of any witnesses who saw the attack.
• Written statements from those witnesses about what they saw.

Dog Owner Information:
• The dog owner's name, address, and contact details.
• Any known history of the dog's aggressive behavior or previous biting incidents.
• Information about the dog, such as breed, size, age, and any identifying tags or microchip information.
Report of the Incident:
• A detailed written account of the attack from your perspective: where it happened, how it happened, and the events leading up to it.
• If available, a report from animal control or the police if they were called to the scene.

Proof of Loss:
Documentation of any financial losses due to the attack, such as missed work, medical bills, and any property that was damaged during the incident (like torn clothing or broken glasses).

Supporting Documentation:
• Any correspondence (letters, emails, texts) between you and the dog owner or their insurance company.
• Any local regulations or laws related to dog ownership and liability (some areas have breed-specific legislation or strict liability laws).

Photographs:
• Pictures of the location where the attack happened.
• Photos of any warning signs, fences, or lack thereof.

Insurance Information:
If the dog owner has homeowners or renters insurance, details of that policy could be relevant, as these often cover dog bite liabilities.

What are the types of Dog bite Injuries?

• Puncture Wounds: Often caused by a dog's sharp teeth piercing the skin.
• Lacerations: Deep cuts or tears in the skin or flesh.
• Abrasions and Contusions: Surface scrapes or bruises often resulting from being knocked over or dragged by a dog.
• Nerve Damage: Resulting from deeper bites that can affect underlying nerves.
• Bone Fractures: Caused when the force of a bite breaks or fractures bones.
• Infections: Open wounds can become infected if not treated promptly or properly.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent marks or alterations to one's appearance from a bite.
• Emotional Trauma: The psychological impact of a dog attack, leading to fear or anxiety.
• Risk of Disease Transmission: Potential for diseases like rabies to be transmitted through a bite.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, is two years from the date of the injury. This means that a victim has two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. If the lawsuit is not filed within this time frame, the victim may lose the right to seek compensation through the courts.

How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Dog Bite?

The amount of compensation one can receive for a dog bite varies widely based on several factors. Here are some considerations that can influence the amount:

• Severity of the Injury: More severe injuries, such as those requiring surgery or resulting in permanent disfigurement or disability, will typically command higher compensation.
  
• Medical Expenses: This includes both immediate treatment costs and anticipated future medical bills, such as physical therapy, plastic surgery, or ongoing treatments.
  
• Lost Wages: If the victim misses work due to the injury or has a diminished earning capacity because of it, they can seek compensation for these losses.
  
• Pain and Suffering: This non-economic damage compensates victims for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Property Damage: If personal property (e.g., clothing, glasses) was damaged in the incident, its value can be included in the claim.

What Texas Cities Can We Handle Your Dog Bite Case?

• Lubbock
• Midland
• Odessa