Dog bites can cause serious injury, and if you’ve been bitten by a dog in Texas, it’s important to understand the laws that apply to your case. Whether you are a victim or a dog owner, knowing your rights and responsibilities can help you manage the situation effectively. Here’s what you should know about dog bite laws in Texas.

Texas Dog Bite Laws: What Are Your Rights?

In Texas, the law can hold dog owners accountable if their dog bites someone. Under strict liability theories, an owner can be held responsible for a dog bite if the dog has dangerous propensities abnormal to its class or, the dog has shown aggressive behavior before. For example, it has already bitten someone.

Additionally, most counties in Texas have leash laws. As a result, if the dog is outside its own residence or yard when the attack happens and, it’s not on a leash or otherwise restrained by the owner, the dog’s owner will be legally liable for the damages caused.

However, the law also includes exceptions. If you were trespassing, provoking the dog, or engaging in illegal activities when the bite occurred, the owner may not be liable.

What Do You Need to Prove?

To make a claim, you need to show that:

The dog bit you.
The dog was owned by someone who, under the circumstances, is liable.
You were lawfully on the property when the bite happened (you weren’t trespassing or provoking the dog).
You were attacked by a dog not on a leash in violation of a leash law.

If the dog has a history of aggressive behavior, you may have an even stronger case. Evidence such as witness statements or prior incidents involving the dog can help back up your claim.

How to Handle a Dog Bite

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, your first priority should be getting medical attention. After receiving treatment, you should gather as much information as possible about the dog, the owner, and the incident. This will be important if you decide to file a claim for compensation.

You should also immediately report the bite to local animal control authorities, whether the dog has not been vaccinated or not.

Can You File a Lawsuit for a Dog Bite?

Yes, if you’ve been bitten by a dog, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit. Texas law allows you to seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, scarring, disfigurement, lost wages and more. It’s important to act quickly, as there are time limits for filing a claim, known as the statute of limitations.

In Texas in general, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a dog bite is two years from the date of the incident. If you wait longer than two years to file your claim, you could lose your right to seek compensation. If a child was bitten, the limitations period for part of the claim “may” be tolled until the child reaches the age of majority or is otherwise emancipated.

Conclusion

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Even if the bite seems minor, it’s important to get checked out to prevent infections or more serious complications. You should also immediately report the bite to local animal control authorities. Then, make sure to collect as much information as you can about the dog and its owner, such as vaccination records and contact details. Also make sure you get the contact information for any witnesses.

Taking quick action and seeking legal guidance will help protect your rights and improve your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.

Contact Springer & Lyle

If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite, don’t wait to seek professional legal help. At Springer & Lyle, our experienced team is here to guide you through the legal process. Contact us today at 940.387.0404 to schedule a free consultation.

Springer & Lyle is located at 1807 Westminster, Denton, TX 76205.