When dogs bite innocent people, it can leave them with long-lasting injuries or severe scarring for the rest of their lives. In Texas, dog bite attacks are common, and insurance claims are high in the Lone Star State.
According to State Farm, Texas ranked fifth in the United States back in 2017 for dog-related injury claims. In that year, Texas saw 175 injury claims for dog attacks, with six million dollars paid in injury claims. Throughout the entire country, dog bites are occurring in great numbers. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), on average, 4.5 million people are bitten each year by dogs. More than 800,000 people who suffer a dog bite require medical attention for their injuries.
If you have been the victim of a dog bite, an El Paso dog bite lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins may be able to help you investigate your accident to determine if you can collect financial compensation for your damages. Our team of personal injury lawyers will work with the evidence you present, and we may also gather additional documentation to hold a negligent dog owner in El Paso accountable.
When faced with a dog bite injury, call Loncar Lyon Jenkins at 877-239-4878 or complete a free case review online. Our personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to fight for your justice so that you may earn compensation after filing a lawsuit.
There Is Strict Liability for Dog Bites in Texas
Texas is considered a “one bite rule” state for vicious animal cases, which includes dog bite cases, according to the Texas Supreme Court’s ruling in Marshall v. Ranne. Essentially, this means that the dog owner may be held liable for a person’s injuries if they were aware that their dog had a tendency to bite people.
Thus, a dog owner is allowed one bite against someone in order to determine this information about their animal. When proving negligence for dog bites in Texas, consider whether the owner could have prevented the bite or if you suffered damages as a result of that negligence.
However, if you have been bitten by a dog that has already shown signs of aggressiveness or has bitten others in the past, then the El Paso dog owner might be held liable to pay for your damages, such as medical costs. You may not be required to prove the dog’s history of aggressive behavior. When dogs bite someone in Texas, they are considered a dangerous animal. According to HG.org, Texas falls under “strict liability” for dog bites.
You may be required to prove negligence or have proof that the owner did not use reasonable care to keep the dog away from you at the time of the incident. As a result, an El Paso dog bite lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins may help you prove that the dog was dangerous.
According to Texas Health and Safety Code section 822.005, a dog owner could face a criminal charge and civil liability if it is found that severe injuries were a result of the dog bite.
For a free legal consultation with a Dog Bite lawyer serving El Paso, call 877-239-4878
Work with a Dog Bite Lawyer to Build Your Case
After a dog bite accident, you may have a lot on your mind before you consider calling an El Paso dog bite lawyer. There are several steps you should take after being involved in a dog bite attack, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC advises dog bite injury victims to perform the following steps after a bite:
- With minor dog bite wounds, wash it carefully with soap and water, then use an antibiotic cream or cover it with a bandage.
- If you suffer deep wounds, apply pressure immediately, and call 911 for medical assistance.
- You should consider contacting your local police department or animal control agency to report the dog bite.
- Contact the dog owner to determine if the dog has received its proper vaccinations for rabies or other diseases. A local animal control agency may also have this information on file.
Once you have completed these steps, you may consider calling a dog bite lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins. Our team may speak with you and your family to address your needs after a dog bite injury. You may be left with a wide array of damages after a dog bite attack, which might include:
- Medical costs (future and current)
- Lost wages
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional damages
At Loncar Lyon Jenkins, our team of dog bite lawyers may help you identify the damages you may be entitled to when receiving compensation from a lawsuit. If you have questions concerning your damages from a recent dog bite in El Paso, call our law firm at 877-239-4878.
El Paso Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me 877-239-4878
Injuries from Dog Bite Can Be Serious
The CDC has mentioned several diseases associated with dogs that can be spread through bites, such as tapeworms or Capnocytophaga, but there are other injuries you may suffer from. Because dogs have such strong teeth and jaws, they can leave victims with severe injuries.
According to VCA Animal Hospital, dog bite injuries can lacerate skin and soft tissue, crush muscles, tear skin, penetrate your chest, cause lung collapse, and damage intestinal organs. VCA Hospitals also states that most dog bites happen on a victim’s leg, neck, or head. Leg wounds can result in damages to your joints, and face wounds can result in injuries to your mouth, ears, eyes, or your skull.
Contact our El Paso Dog Bite Attorneys today
Seek Justice for Your Dog Bite with Loncar Lyon Jenkins
Dog owners should be held accountable when their negligence leads to dog bites against innocent children and adults. These accidents are increasingly common in Texas, and insurance claims are high compared to other states in the United States. If you or a loved one has recently been injured by a dog bite in El Paso, contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins online to complete a free case review form.
Our team of dog bite lawyers will guide you through Texas’ liability requirements for dog bites while we build your case with supporting evidence. Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today at 877-239-4878 for more information.
Call or text 877-239-4878 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
