Dog Attack Injuries in Boerne, Texas - Legal Options for Victims and Their Families

The abundance of parks and trails makes Boerne, Texas, an ideal location for dog owners. While most pets are well-behaved and friendly, Boerne residents may occasionally encounter an aggressive animal that can be dangerous if not properly restrained. Owners may be held liable if their pet attacks someone, particularly if the animal has a history of aggressive behavior.

Dog bites can cause severe injuries like deep lacerations that leave disfiguring scarring behind. The Boerne personal injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw assist victims of these attacks in exploring their legal options and holding responsible parties accountable. Our team is available 24/7 to schedule free consultations in English or Spanish at 800-862-1260.

Dog attacks are frightening and dangerous. If a dog’s teeth puncture your skin, bacteria in their mouths can get into the wound and cause an infection. Infections may present with symptoms like pain, swelling, and drainage from the wound. In some cases, they can spread to other areas of the body, making treatment more challenging.

Other dog bite injuries might include:

• Lacerations
• Nerve or tendon damage
• Fractures
• Facial trauma
• Hand injuries

Lacerations can lead to disfiguring scarring that may require a plastic surgeon to restore the victim’s appearance and function. Nerve damage may result in temporary or permanent weakness or loss of sensation in the injured area. Victims of dog bites may face substantial medical bills for treatment and extended time off work to recover.

Under Texas law, a dog owner can be held strictly liable for their pet’s attack if they knew or should have known that the dog had aggressive tendencies. Also known as the “one-bite” rule, dogs that have previously bitten or exhibited aggressive behavior fall into this category. In these cases, a victim does not have to prove the owner was negligent in controlling the animal. If the owner knew about the dog’s history, they are liable for your injuries.

In this situation, you have the option to file a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner, seeking damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. Contact an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive all the damages you deserve.

Even if the dog has no prior history of aggression, dog bite victims and their lawyers have the option to hold the owner accountable if their negligence led to the attack. Negligence is the failure to act with the level of care another reasonable person would exercise in the same situation. Examples of negligence in this case might include failure to secure the animal properly or allowing the dog to wander off-leash.

Texas’s proportionate responsibility rule allows accident victims to seek damages even if they share fault for the accident. Perhaps you provoked the dog to behave aggressively or entered the owner’s property without permission. As long as your share of fault is less than 51%, your Boerne dog bite lawyer can seek damages from the dog’s owner. However, your total damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

If you can prove the owner knew of the dog’s potential for aggression, or failed to handle the dog responsibly, you can seek various damages, including:

• Economic damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and future healthcare needs
• Non-economic damages for emotional trauma, disfigurement, and other intangible losses
• Punitive damages in the case of gross negligence or malice by the dog owner

An experienced personal injury attorney will calculate your damages based on your current injuries and expenses, as well as future losses. They will negotiate with the insurance company or defendant to ensure you receive a fair settlement based on what Texas law allows.

If you were the victim of a vicious dog attack, our compassionate lawyers at Carabin Shaw can help. We offer our services on a contingency-fee basis, and our client reviews attest to our ability to maximize damages for victims like you. Call us toll-free today at 800-862-1260.

For more information:

• Texas Statutes 822
• Cornell Law
• Texas Statutes 33
• Texas Statutes 41