Dog Bite Injury Attorneys in Texas
The injury attorneys at The Kahn Law Firm understand the pain and shock that can be caused by a significant dog bite injury. Families of dog bite victims can face large medical expenses as well as psychological treatment for the injured person. The victim of dog bite injuries—who are most often children—can be left with psychological injuries including fear and anxiety as well as lifelong physical injuries including hand or facial injuries, nerve damage, puncture wounds, disfigurement, and bone fractures
It is estimated that there are 50 million dogs in the United States, but fortunately there are only a very small number of dog attacks resulting in serious injuries. However, when a dog bite occurs, the injuries are often severe. Bites can occur with any type of dog, particularly if they are provoked, but some bites occur because of the carelessness or negligence of the dog’s owner. The dog bite laws in Texas are confusing and seem to favor the dog owner rather than the person injured.
Texas is essentially a “one free bite” state meaning that in order to recover for personal injuries we have to prove one of the following occurred:
- The owner knew that the dog had either already bitten someone else or had the propensity to bite.
- The attack was caused by the owner or handler's negligence.
- The attack was caused by violation of an animal control law (such as a leash law).
- The attack was caused intentionally by the owner or handler.
Two laws that were recently entacted by the Texas legislature address dog bites, but does not address compensation for medical and psychological expenses for victims of dog bites.
- Lillian’s Law increases the criminal penalties for dog owners who have failed to properly or adequately restrain their dogs which results in a serious injury from an unprovoked attack.
- Unlawful Restraint of a Dog law restricts dog owners from chaining dogs overnight, in bad weather or within 500 feet of a school. Chaining dogs is not only cruel and inhumane and this law doesn’t prohibit it all the time, but only in the incidences lists above.
The Kahn Law Firm will investigate the circumstances surrounding the dog bite, interview neighbors and witnesses and find city statutes or regulations which may require dogs to be on leashes. Each of these items are instrumental in successfully litigating a dog bite case in Texas.
Additionally, if a parent or child of an injury victim witnesses the violent attack or death, Texas law allows for that person to sue for mental anguish and there fore have a bystander claim.
