Dog bites are often unexpected and can be a traumatic experience, leaving victims or their families unsure of what steps to take next. Whether it’s a bite from a stranger’s pet, a loose dog in the neighborhood, or even an animal you know – there are emotional and financial impacts and, in some cases, long-term scarring or psychological distress. Injuries can range from minor scratches to severe wounds that require immediate and long-term medical attention.
Acting quickly is crucial if you or someone you love has been bitten and injured. After seeking medical attention, gathering information about the dog and its owner is essential to pursuing a personal injury claim, as the legal complexities surrounding liability and compensation can be challenging to understand and pursue.
Understanding the Texas “One Bite Rule”:
Texas follows what is commonly called the “one-bite rule” when it comes to personal injury claims. This rule means that a dog owner may not be automatically liable for their dog’s actions unless they knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous or had a tendency to bite. However, it does not give all dogs or owners a free pass for their first bite attack.
Instead, it places the burn on the victim to prove that the owner knew their dog had aggressive behavior or tendencies. For example, if a dog has previously bitten someone, growled, lunged, or attempted to bite someone, the owner could be found negligent for failing to prevent an attack.
- Negligence: The dog owner failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent an attack, such as securing the dog in a proper enclosure or using a leash.
- Premises liability: If the attack occurred on the dog owner’s property and the victim was lawfully present, the owner might be responsible if they failed to warn visitors about or control the dog.
Victims should gather evidence to pursue a successful personal injury claim. Evidence includes photographs of the injuries, medical records, witness statements, video evidence, or any other proof of the dog’s history of aggression.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites:
Dog bites can result in various personal injuries, varying in severity depending on the breed, location, and depth of the bite. Some common injuries from dog bites include:
- Puncture Wounds
- Dog teeth can puncture the skin, often creating deep holes or puncture wounds. These can be particularly prone to infection because of bacteria in the dog’s mouth.
- One of the most common complications from a dog bit is infection. Dogs’ mouths carry bacteria like Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Capnocytophaga, which can lead to serious infections and hospitalization if not correctly treated. This can result in numbness, weakness, or loss of function in the affected area.
- Facial and Eye Injuries
- If a dog bite occurs to the face, it can cause serious injury to delicate facial structures or the eyes. These injuries can affect vision, speech, and facial appearance, requiring specialized and costly care.
- Lacerations and Tears
- Dogs biting with force can cause skin lacerations (cuts) or tears, which may require stitches or, worst cases, repair surgery.
- Tendon and Nerve Damage
- Depending on the severity of the bite, the dog’s teeth can damage tendons, nerves, or muscles beneath the skin. This can result in numbness, weakness, or loss of function in the affected area. Surgery or physical therapy may sometimes be required to restore function.
- Scarring
- Dog bite wounds, especially the deep and severe, can lead to permanent scarring. These can be both physically and emotionally painful, with scarring sometimes being visible and disfiguring.
- Bone Fractures
- A particularly strong or aggressive dog might cause fractures or breaks in bones, especially in the hands, arms, or legs, if the bite occurs in these areas or the dog shakes its head while biting. This can be the case if a dog bites a small child.
- Psychological Effects
- Beyond physical injuries, dog bites can also result in psychological trauma, including anxiety, fear of dogs (cynophobia), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can lead to ongoing emotional distress and sometimes a phobia of dogs or public spaces.
What Do I Do Next?
At Ghuneim Law Firm, we understand dog bites’ effects and their complex legal nature. We are committed to advocating for the rights of all injured individuals and their families. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury in a dog bite, we can help guide you through the process.
Contact the Ghuneim Law Firm at 833-GHU-NEIM or at 281-487-8929 to schedule a free consultation.