What Should I Do if I Sustained a Dog Bite Injury in Texas?

Though we tend to think of dogs as “man’s best friend,” unfortunately, dog attacks are, unfortunately, far from rare. If you were recently attacked by a dog, our firm is on your side. Please continue reading and reach out to a dedicated Bexar County, Texas personal injury lawyer from Sahadi Legal Group to learn more about dog bite injury claims and how our firm can help you get the compensation you deserve and need to heal. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What should I do after a dog bite injury?

After a dog attack, if you are capable, you should first call the police to the scene. They can de-escalate the situation if need be, and they will also write up a report of the incident. You should also get the dog owner’s contact information. If you can, you should take pictures of the injuries you sustained. Once an ambulance arrives and transports you to a hospital for treatment, you should ensure you get tested for rabies or other diseases and keep a copy of all medical documentation pertaining to your injuries. Finally, you should hire a competent personal injury attorney who can track down witnesses, speak with neighbors to learn of any past history of violence, and collect all other information that may help prove your personal injury claim.

What are the laws surrounding dog attacks in Texas?

The state of Texas follows the “one bite rule.” Therefore, to recover compensation for a dog attack, you’ll need to prove that the dog owner should have known there was a risk for an attack and failed to keep their dog secured, which lead to the attack. For example, if there is a record of the dog attacking an innocent person in the past, there’s a strong chance you’ll have a valid claim. That said, if you were attacked by a dog randomly, such as while in a public place or while lawfully in a private place, such as a relative’s house where you were invited as a guest, you likely will also have a valid claim.

How long do I have to file a dog bite injury claim in Texas?

In most cases, victims of dog attacks will have to file their claim within two years of the date their accident occurred. Waiting longer than this timeframe will likely result in you being permanently barred from suing the dog owner for your injuries. Don’t make the mistake of waiting to file–simply reach out to a dedicated personal injury lawyer from Sahadi Legal Group as soon as you can. We’re here to help you get your life back on track.