There are approximately 4.5 million dog bites in the United States every single year, and nearly 1 million of those injuries lead to infection. The cost of medical treatment for dog bite injuries can be prohibitively expensive—even if the patient has health insurance. Although nothing can undo the physical and psychological trauma of a dog attack, victims and their families may be able to regain their financial footing by bringing a personal injury claim against the dog owner or another party.
If you, your child, or someone else in your family was bitten by a dog in Texas, contact Chelsie King Garza, P.C. to discuss your claim in a free consultation. Chelsie is a dog bite attorney in Houston who is well-versed in the laws and procedures that govern these cases. She has litigated cases in both state and federal court.
You may be entitled to compensation not only for your medical bills but also for lost income, disfigurement, physical impairment, and mental anguish. Call 713-893-8808 to schedule a free case review.
When Can a Person Sue After a Dog Bite in Texas?
In the state of Texas, there is no law that specifically covers the civil liability of dog owners after their animals bite someone; however, the Texas Supreme Court ruled in the 1974 case Marshall v. Ranne that Section 509 of the Restatement of Torts applies to these cases. This means that one of the following must be true in order to file a successful personal injury claim following a dog bite:
- The owner of the dog did not use reasonable care to control the dog or prevent the bite, and the person was bitten as a result; or
- The owner of the dog was aware that the animal had aggressive tendencies or had bitten a person in the past.
Let’s assume, for example, that your neighbor’s dog escaped from its yard and attacked you while you were walking down the street. You sustained an injury as a result. In this scenario, the dog’s owner would most likely be liable since he or she failed to exercise reasonable care to keep the dog restrained. You might be able to prove liability by taking photos of the fencing (or lack thereof) to demonstrate that it was insufficient to prevent the dog from escaping.
Strict Liability Applies When Dogs Are Considered “Dangerous”
To win most dog bite claims, it must be shown that the attack occurred due to the dog owner's negligence; however, if the dog is "vicious, dangerous, or mischievous," strict liability will apply, meaning that the dog owner can be held liable even if the claimant is unable to show that the owner failed to exercise reasonable care to restrain or control the animal.
Discuss Your Case with a Dog Bite Lawyer in Houston: 713-893-8808
If you or someone you love was attacked by a dog, contact Chelsie King Garza, P.C. to find out if you have grounds for a claim and to determine the most strategic way to proceed. Call 713-893-8808 or use our Contact Form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
