A total of 4.7 million dog bites are reported annually in the United States, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One in every 69 Americans gets bitten by a dog each year, and about 800,000 cases require medical attention. The United States has a population of about 327 million.
You have a 1 in 112,400 risk of dying as a result of a dog bite, and 81 percent of dog bites do not result in serious injury or necessitate medical attention. A catastrophic storm, choking, a gunshot, a wasp attack, or heart disease or cancer are more likely causes of death.
Non-spayed or -neutered dogs account for the vast majority of dog attacks, and the following are the leading causes of dog bites, as reported by the CDC:
- The dog is either shocked or experiencing stress.
- The dog feels intimidated or terrified.
- The dog is guarding something, such as its puppies, its food, its toys, its owners, or even itself.
- The dog seems to be in pain or discomfort.
- When playing, the dog bites or nips.
Approximately one-third of all liability claims filed with homeowners’ insurance companies are the consequence of dog bites or injuries caused by dogs, with an average cost of more than $37,000 per claim and $675 million annually, as reported by the Insurance Information Institute (III).
While any dog has the potential to bite, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that over 30 different breeds and types of dogs are more likely to cause serious injuries or death as a result of dog attacks. These dogs include:
- Pit bulls
- Rottweiler
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- Husky
- Bullmastiff
- Boxer
- Great Dane
- Alaskan Malamute
- American Bulldog
- Akita
- Chow
- Doberman
- Chihuahua
Remember that many dogs are incorrectly identified as belonging to a specific breed, so it is best to exercise caution around any dog you do not know.
What are the Legal Ramifications for Dog Bites in Texas?
There is no “on the books” or codified legislation in Texas about dog bites. Instead, the one-bite limit is codified in Texas law thanks to a precedent set by the state’s courts.
In Texas, the rule of “one bite” requires an injured party to show that the dog has a history of harmful behavior. It can be challenging to pursue a claim for damages under Texas law if the dog has never bitten or wounded anyone before.
If the owner knew or should have known that their dog was harmful, they could be held responsible for any injuries caused by the dog.
Is it also crucial to understand that:
- In addition to injuries sustained from dog attacks, additional damages caused by aggressive dogs may also be covered by Texas laws.
- Dog owners and others could be held liable if they disobey local laws about keeping and controlling pets.
- If a victim is less than 50% at fault for the incident that resulted in their injuries, they can still recover under Texas law. Accordingly, under Texas law, victims who may have gotten too close to dogs (or somewhat agitated them) may still be allowed to claim compensation even if they are considerably at blame for the assault.
In the event of a dog bite, who should be notified?
In a dog attack, victims should seek immediate medical attention and have their wounds treated to the fullest extent possible. Further, the victim or advocate for the victim should get in touch with the dog’s owner to inquire about the animal’s vaccination status. Recently we had a case where a woman was out on a stroll when a dog bit her; the dog’s owner refused to provide our Law Firm with the dog’s vaccination records for whatever reason. Since it was unknown whether or not the animal had been vaccinated, the woman was forced to have rabies vaccinations. Even though they have improved greatly over the years, getting those shots is still a rather scary thing to do.
Notifying the local authorities, and notably, animal control, is also necessary. The authorities should be informed even if this is the first time the dog has exhibited aggressive behavior. Also, if this is the dog’s second, third, or fourth attack, the law in Texas has provisions that would classify it as a vicious dog and force the owner to take extra measures to ensure the dog does not escape. Also, if the dog has attacked multiple times, the authorities may determine that it must be put down. If a dog bites you and you get hurt, you should receive medical attention, talk to the dog’s owner, and report the incident to the proper authorities, including animal control.
A Texas Accident That Left You Hurt?
Get in touch with a competent personal injury lawyer immediately if you have suffered an injury. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation online or call our Austin, Texas, office at 512.777.0000. In addition to serving customers in Travis county, we also serve clients throughout Texas who have suffered personal injuries.
We at Shrum Law Firm take great pride in representing our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, including when you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack, and we will do everything in our power to defend your rights and hold the negligent party legally responsible for their actions. We will not rest until you are properly compensated for your injuries and losses due to the accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Taking the time to get to know you as an individual rather than a client allows us to provide better services. To your words, we listen. Here, we listen to your backstory. To assist you in obtaining the compensation you are entitled to, we will go far beyond what is customary for legal services. To put it simply, we are more than just lawyers.
Moreover, you are more than just a paying customer to us. As well as being friends and neighbors, we are also family. Since we are all human beings, at Shrum Law Firm, our clients come first.
When we help our clients, we counsel them, advocate on their behalf, and seek solutions to their difficulties. We have years of expertise effectively representing people, as opposed and will handle the insurance company, medical providers, property repairs, and missed income while you focus on recovery and getting your life back on track.