English 
Spanish Being bitten by a dog can be both painful and traumatic, especially when the injuries are serious. In these moments, it’s natural to expect that the dog’s owner would be held responsible for their pet’s behavior. If the animal wasn’t adequately controlled and you were injured, your first step should be to seek medical attention, particularly to address wounds or prevent infection. After that, it’s important to consider your legal rights. A dog bite attorney in Houston can help you pursue compensation.
Texas dog bite laws are complex and can affect whether the owner can be held accountable. A skilled Houston personal injury lawyer understands this and will help shape your case by proving negligence under Texas law.
Houston’s Unique Dog Bite Laws
Dog bite laws vary by state. In Texas, the “one bite rule” impacts whether you have a personal injury case after an attack. Under this rule, an owner can be held accountable if they knew, or reasonably should have known, that their dog was dangerous.
For example, if the dog has previously bitten someone or shown other aggressive behavior, the owner is expected to take action to prevent future harm. Once an owner is aware of their dog’s tendencies, they must act responsibly to protect others. Failing to do so can make them legally accountable for injuries their dog causes. If you were bitten by a dog with a previous bite history, you can likely pursue a personal injury claim.
However, even when the animal hasn’t bitten someone before, you may still prove that the handler was negligent if the canine has displayed aggressive tendencies in the past. Examples include lunging or snapping. So, the one bite rule’s name is a bit misleading. It doesn’t technically give the dog a “free bite” before the owner is liable. Instead, the law focuses on whether the owner knew, or should have known, that the dog could hurt someone.
The one bite rule is only one way to hold a dog owner liable. Another way an owner might be negligent is by violating local leash laws, such as letting a dog run off-leash in an area where leashes are required. In cities like Houston, local rules often require dogs to be leashed and properly restrained in public places.
How a Dog Bite Attorney in Houston Can Help Your Case
If someone’s dog attacked you and you suffered injuries as a result, don’t let the language of the one-bite rule stop you from advocating for yourself. When you speak to an experienced dog bite attorney from Houston, they can help you move forward and hold the animal’s handler accountable!
A seasoned attorney will navigate Texas’s one-bite rule by proving the owner knew their dog had dangerous or aggressive tendencies, such as a prior bite or attack. They may also pursue a negligence claim by showing the owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling the dog.
They will also use your medical records to show the extent of your injuries from the dog attack. You can pursue compensation for dog bite injuries, such as:
- Bite puncture wounds
- Scratches or cuts
- Broken bones or injuries from the dog knocking you down
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma after the attack
If a dog has hurt you, time is of the essence to hold the owner accountable. Like other personal injuries in the state of Texas, you only have two years after the injury to file a personal injury claim. So if someone’s animal hurt you, call Ryan Nguyen after the accident. He will review the details of your situation and determine whether you have a personal injury case.
Speak to a Dog Bite Attorney in Houston for Free
After a dog bite in Texas, laws like the one-bite rule and other local regulations can impact your ability to file a claim and seek compensation. Even if the one-bite rule makes you question whether you have a case, an experienced dog bite attorney can help. They’ll work to show that the dog’s owner knew (or should have known) the animal had aggressive tendencies. They may also try to prove that the handler didn’t take reasonable steps to control the dog and protect others. If these points are proven, you may be able to hold the owner responsible for your medical expenses and other damages related to the attack.
Ryan Nguyen, known as The Falcon for his speed and precision, takes swift action against wrongdoers through powerful personal injury litigation. He will fight for you and find the strongest strategy for your case. When you’re injured by a dog, you need The Falcon!
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