Dogs and other pets are now welcome in many stores, eating establishments, and hotels, so it’s no surprise that there’s been a rise in dog bite injuries in Texas.
Dogs are generally loyal, intelligent, and friendly, but they are capable of lashing out aggressively if they feel threatened, causing severe injuries to people and other animals. Dog bite injuries can be severe, sometimes causing long-term disability or extreme disfigurement, and that’s why Texas allows people injured by dogs to make claims against the owners.
If you’ve been seriously injured in a dog attack in Texas, it’s important to call an experienced Texas dog bite attorney as soon as possible for a consultation to determine whether you have an actionable case. The Morgan Legal Group is the leading personal injury law firm in Texas, offering free consultations for dog bite cases. Call 713-969-5026 for a free case review.
Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries that can sometimes lead to lifelong cosmetic and medical problems. These are some of the most common types of dog bite injuries:
Lacerations are the medical term for traumatic cuts to the skin. Some lacerations are deep enough to go through the skin’s top layer called the epidermis and penetrate the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and bones. Lacerations often cause scarring, which can sometimes be disfiguring, especially if the bite is on the face.
Puncture Wounds are caused by the penetration of a dog’s teeth into a body part. They can cause a large amount of bleeding and lead to infections if they’re not treated promptly.
Infections are caused by the bacteria in the mouth of the dog or from infections on your own skin that are carried into your body by the bite. Rabies is the worst type of infection you can get from a dog bite, so it’s important to get treatments to prevent rabies if you’re not certain the dog has been vaccinated. Over 10% of dog bites lead to infection, so it’s important to be evaluated and treated for any dog bite that draws blood.
Other Injuries from dog bites include crushing injuries caused by large dogs, loss of a body part such as an ear or finger, and injuries caused by falling while fighting with or running away from the dog.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to get medical treatment immediately and to speak to an experienced Texas dog bite attorney about your legal rights.
How A Texas Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite in Texas, you’ll need to prove that the owner knew that the dog was aggressive and that he failed to use reasonable care to prevent the dog from biting you. In most cases, this means uncovering evidence that the dog bit somebody in the past and that the owner knew about it.
Proving the owner knew that the dog has a propensity to be aggressive isn’t something that you’ll have an easy time doing on your own because owners rarely admit that they knew their dog was dangerous.
You’ll also need to prove the value of your case based on the medical treatment you received and the impact it’s had on your life. Most insurance companies only offer out-of-pocket medical expenses to unrepresented claimants, while victims that retain an experienced Texas dog bite lawyer are usually able to collect large amounts of compensation for their pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Texas, it’s important to get immediate medical attention to reduce the chance of infection and/or scarring. After you’ve been treated it’s important to contact a dog bite attorney in Texas as soon as possible so that evidence can be preserved and deadlines can be met. The Morgan Legal Group is the leading personal injury law firm in Texas, offering free consultations for victims of dog bites in Texas. Call 713-969-5026 for a free case review.