Being a resident of Texas, you could receive compensation from the dog owner if this happened to you as a dog attack can result in serious injuries. You have to prove that the owner knew about the dog’s aggressive behavior and did nothing to prevent the attack to receive compensation, however. You may still recover damages only if the owner did something negligent that led to the accident if the dog doesn’t have a history of attacking people. Today, we at Lastimado Texas would like to discuss getting compensation for a dog bite in Texas.
Attack History of a Dog
In a dog bite case based on the owner’s negligence, the state of Texas determines civil liability. If the dog had attacked someone in the past or showed symptoms of aggressive behavior and the owner knew about it, an injured person could recover all available damages. Should the dog had previously bit another person or if the authorities had warned the owner that the dog was dangerous, the court considers that a person knows about their dog’s tendency to attack. They have to compensate the victim for their medical expenses, lost wages and suffering if the owner knew about their dog’s problem.
What Happens if Your Dog Bites Someone for the First Time?
If in the event the owner had no way to know that their dog was dangerous or if it was the first time the dog attacked someone, the victim of a dog bite may also receive compensation. The victim would have to prove that the owner was negligent and that their negligence gave way to the attack in this case. Should the attack happened outside of their property because their dog escaped, an owner may have to pay damages for instance. The owner is not liable for all damages, and they will only pay for the percentage they were at fault in these cases. The owner won’t have to compensate the victim if the court finds that the victim was more than 50% at fault for the accident.
What are the Consequences of a Dog Biting Someone?
The owner may also be subject to criminal penalties if the court finds that the owner did know about their dog’s dangerous behavior. Being negligent with a dangerous dog is a third-degree felony in Texas. If they knew that their dog was dangerous and the dog bit a person in a place other than the owner’s property without provocation an owner could be convicted of this felony. The owner may have to spend up to 10 years in jail and pay a fine of up to $10,000 besides paying the victim’s damages in this case. By letting their dangerous dog bite someone else, pay a fine of $500 as they would also commit a Class C misdemeanor.
Victim’s Right to Compensation
You may be entitled to receive compensation from the dog owner if a dog bit you. After the accident, however, you must consider that you must file your claim no later than two years. You won’t get your rightful compensation if you file the claim afterward. The court might not award you with damages, you must also consider that if the dog bit you on the owner’s property or you provoked the dog. You have the right to take your case to court and fight back for the compensation you deserve if you believe that the owner was responsible for the attack, however.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Dallas, San Antonio & Austin, TX (Just Minutes from Carrollton, Garland, Irving, Mesquite & Grand Prairie, Texas)
If you have been bitten by a dog in Dallas, TX and surrounding areas, call on the professionals of Lastimado Texas and let us help you get compensated for the financial loss you are likely experiencing with a dog attack.
