Why You Should Report a Dog Bite Case

Dog Bite Case Can Be Complicated to Navigate

If you are bitten by someone else’s dog, you may be able to seek compensation for any injuries or damages that occurred as a result. Unfortunately, dog bites happen more often than many people realize. With more than 7.2 million dogs in Texas (that’s more than any other state), it is no wonder dog bite case lawsuits happen all the time.

But how do you know if you should report – and pursue – a dog bite case? Are there times when you should keep quiet and not contact the authorities? Today we are going to answer these questions and more. If you find yourself on the other side of a dog bite, be sure and contact Rad Law Firm right away. Our Dallas dog bite injury attorneys are prepared to sit down with you and go over the details of your case. Depending on whether or not we think you have a case, we will then advise you on what to do from here.

Do I Have a Dog Bite Case?

Texas is a “one bite rule” state which means the injured person must prove the following in order to seek damages following a dog bite:

• The dog’s owner was aware the dog had a history of biting people
• The dog had acted aggressively in the past
• The dog’s owner acted negligently in controlling the dog
• The dog’s owner was unable to prevent the bite from taking place

This means that, in Texas, you must be able to show that you or another person knew the dog to be aggressive. And, furthermore, the dog’s owner was negligent in restraining the dog and preventing it from biting you.

The next step is then to establish negligence. This can be more difficult than you may think, so it is important to consult an experienced Dallas dog bite injury attorney. To prove negligence, you must be able to show that the owner was aware of the dog’s aggression, failed to restrain the dog and stop it from biting, or watched as the dog bit you.

Report a Dog Bite Injury Before It’s Too Late

There are numerous reasons why it’s important to report a dog bite injury, but not every dog bite gives you the right to pursue a lawsuit. Some exceptions include:

• The dog was a military or police animal
• The victim was trespassing
• The dog was protecting its owner
• The incident occurred while the dog was confined
• The dog was provoked

If none of the above are true, you may want to consider filing a dog bite lawsuit. To learn more about the Texas law pertaining to dog bites, or to discuss your case with an experienced Dallas personal injury lawyer, please contact Rad Law Firm today.