Establishing Liability in a Laredo Dog Bite Case

Texas is the number one state for dog bite attacks in the country. Thousands are injured every year by aggressive dogs and their negligent owners. Many of these bites will cause injuries severe enough to require emergency medical attention. If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog in Laredo, there are options available to help you reclaim the fair compensation you deserve.

Dogs have sharp canines and powerful jaws– a dangerous combination in the right circumstances. The bigger the dog, the more likely they are to inflict lasting damage. Dog bites can permanently damage skin, muscle, and nerve tissue and may cause infection and other future complications.

While dog bites range in severity, all these attacks are fearful experiences and may cause long-term trauma for victims, particularly children. Many children who experienced dog bite injuries early in life develop trauma responses as a result of their accident. An experienced dog bite attorney in Laredo, Texas will help you to determine the full worth of the losses you and your family have suffered as a result of a severe dog bite injury.

Every state has its own laws regarding dog bite injury liability. There are essentially two theories about dog owner liability: “one-bite” rules and strict liability. In “one-bite” states, a dog owner is not considered liable for a victim’s injuries if their dog has not bitten anyone before. The idea is that, if the owner had no knowledge that their dog could prove a danger, they are not responsible for the first instance of aggression. However, there may be exceptions to this rule even in “one-bite” states if the dog is of a dangerous breed or has an aggressive personality.

In states with “strict liability” regarding dog bites, an owner is always considered liable for the attack even if they could not have done anything to prevent the attack. In these states, a dog owner is considered liable for any injuries inflicted by their dog as long as the victim was not trespassing on the owner’s property or actively provoking the dog.

If you were bitten by a dog in Laredo, the liability of the dog’s owner would be considered according to Texas law. Texas is a “one-bite rule” state, so establishing liability in a Laredo dog bite case requires proving one of the following:

• The dog had at least one prior act of aggression
• The dog is considered a dangerous breed
• The dog had an aggressive personality
• You were not provoking the dog in any way

The process of filing for compensation can be emotionally difficult– for example, statistics show that it is usually the dogs of our neighbors, friends, or even family members who attack young children. However, no matter who the dog’s owner is, it is important that you and your family receive the compensation you deserve to cover the full cost of your damages.

After a severe dog attack, victims may be unsure of their options. The qualified injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw would be happy to review your case, advise you on next steps, and represent your dog bite injury claim in court or settlement negotiations. Our team’s commitment to fighting for justice for accident victims like you is demonstrated in the many positive testimonies in Carabin Shaw’s client reviews.

If you would like an experienced dog bite injury lawyer at Carabin Shaw to review your claim, call our office to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation initial consultation. Our English and Spanish-speaking staff are available toll-free 24/7 at 800-862-1260.