Dog Bite Law in Texas

(AP)-According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 4.7 million Americans will suffer a dog bite injury this year, most of them children. Each year, about 800,000 dog bite injury victims are treated at clinics and hospitals and about a dozen people die from dog attacks.

Dog bite injuries can involve puncture wounds and lacerations that may result in scarring. Reconstructive surgery may be necessary. If the dog has not been vaccinated, the dog bite victim may need to undergo a painful treatment for rabies. Infection is always a concern.
Dog bite injury victims often suffer emotional as well as physical trauma. Psychological therapy may be required, especially for children.

Texas follows the ancient and outdated "one bite rule." This means that legal liability for a dog bite is based on one of the following circumstances: (a) the owner knew that the dog had bitten someone previously or had the dangerous propensity to bite a person, (b) the accident was cause by the negligence of the person handling the dog, (c) the accident was caused by a violation of a leash law, prohibition against dogs trespassing or running at large, or a similar animal control law, or (d) the injury was caused intentionally by the person handling the dog.

On the other hand, new law went into effect for criminal liability. Under the new law, the owner of a dangerous dog can still face misdemeanor charges if the animal injures someone. That same owner now can be on the hook for a felony and prison time if the victim dies or suffers wounds requiring hospitalization.

Our lawyers will pursue full compensation of all current and future expenses related to the dog bite injury. Please contact The Báez Law Firm, P.C. http://www.thebaezlawfirm.com for further information about the laws concerning dog bite injury victims. We offer a free consultation to review your case and discuss your rights. We care about your legal needs!