Dogs can be a great source of laughter, companionship, and joy. However, dogs can occasionally be unpredictable and attack people, causing debilitating and life-changing injuries.
If you or your loved one were hurt in a dog attack, pursuing legal action can be confusing and stressful without the help of a personal injury attorney. Fortunately, a knowledgeable Denton dog bite lawyer from Fleming Law Accident & Injury Attorneys can meet with you to review the details of the attack and help you understand your legal options.
Like many other states, Texas courts follow a one-bite rule. Under this rule, a dog’s owner would be strictly liable for the cost of your injuries if the dog previously exhibited aggressive or dangerous tendencies. Essentially, you would be automatically successful in your legal claim against the dog’s owner if you can prove that the dog bit someone else in the past. Even if the dog did not actually bite someone, the one-bite rule would be applicable if the dog tried to bite someone or aggressively approached someone.
Our seasoned Denton attorneys can investigate the dog’s history to prove that it had a prior history of aggression before the attack that harmed you. We can interview neighbors, veterinarians, groomers, and anyone else who might have come into contact with the dog to determine if they noticed any aggressive tendencies that the owner knew about. We can also see if the dog’s owner registered their dangerous dog with the appropriate local authorities.
If the dog that bit you has never shown any vicious tendencies, you will not be able to use the strict liability of the one-bite rule to collect damages. However, you can still pursue a lawsuit against the dog’s owner, handler, or caretaker based on the theory of negligence. In a negligence claim, you will need to show that the owner’s handling of their dog was so unreasonable that it created a dangerous situation that directly led to your injuries.
Some examples of negligent dog handling include:
Our determined Denton attorneys can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your bite wound to search for clear proof of the dog owner’s negligence. We will meet with you to listen to your story of the attack. We can then search for evidence and speak with witnesses of the incident to learn what they observed.
Being bitten by a dog can result in painful physical and emotional wounds that take a long time to heal. A successful resolution of a lawsuit against the dog’s owner or handler can help you gain the compensation you need to recover from your injuries.
Contact a Denton dog bite lawyer at Fleming Law Accident & Injury Attorneys to learn how our experienced attorneys can help you. We are available 24/7.
(713) 221-6800 