(Newswire.net — May 18, 2022) — If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog bite, it is essential to know what to do to ensure the best possible outcome. There are specific laws and regulations in Texas regarding dog bites, and it is vital to be familiar with these before taking any action.
After the incident, your first priority should be treating the injury. Then report the attack and file a claim against the at-fault party. A lawyer can help you identify the responsible party and build a strong case.
Take Care of The Injury
The first step after a dog bite is to take care of the injury. If the wound is bleeding, hold a clean cloth against it to help stop the bleeding. If it is a minor puncture wound, you can hold the cloth for several minutes and then let it air dry. If the wound is more serious, or if there is any sign of infection, you should see a doctor right away.
Here are ways of taking care of the wound:
- Clean the wound: First, gently clean the wound with mild soap and cool water to help remove any dirt or bacteria that could cause an infection.
- See a doctor: If you have any concerns about the wound, or if it does not seem to be healing correctly, see a doctor right away.
- Get rabies shots: If you have not had a rabies vaccine, you will need to get one as soon as possible. There is a slight chance that the dog could have had rabies.
Report The Incident
The next step after a dog bite is to report the accident to the animal control and protection authorities. In Texas, this means contacting your local animal control office. Animal control will investigate the incident and determine whether or not the dog should be quarantined.
File a Claim
If a dog in Texas has bitten you, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Consult with a dog bite injuries lawyer in Arlington, TX, to discuss your legal options.
To recover, you must show that the pet owner was aware of or should have been aware of the dog’s harmful nature. This indicates that the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner failed to take adequate precautions to keep the dog from biting.
You must also demonstrate that you were hurt due to the bite. Medical expenditures missed payments, and pain and suffering may all be included. Your lawyer will assist you in gathering the evidence required to prove your case.
Criminal Liability for the Dog’s Owner
In some cases, the dog owner may be charged with a crime. It’s most likely to occur if the dog has a history of aggression or if the owner was aware of the danger and did not take proper precautions.
The charge will depend on the severity of the injury and whether or not it happened intentionally.
Possible charges include:
- Aggravated assault: If the dog bite resulted in disfigurement, amputation, or other permanent disability, the owner could be charged with aggravated assault. This is a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
- Injuring a livestock animal: If the dog bite occurred on a livestock animal, the owner could be charged with a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year in jail.
- Allowing a dangerous dog to run at large: If the dog was not correctly confined and caused injury, the owner could be charged with a punishable misdemeanor by up to 180 days in jail.
- Animal cruelty: If the dog was intentionally allowed to attack someone, the owner could be charged with animal cruelty. This is a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
After the case is heard in court, possible punishments for the dog owner, if found guilty, could result in a fine or jail time. The severity of the punishment depends on the facts of the case and the injuries suffered by the victim. It is important to note that each case is unique, and the outcome will depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved.
Seek Legal Counsel
A dog bite attorney can prepare a plan to take legal action based on the specifics of your case, thus maximizing the chances of a successful outcome. What is more, having a legal expert on your team will allow you to focus on the recovery process.
About the author
With a BA in communications and paralegal experience, Irma Dengler decided to make the best of her writing skills. She decided to turn complicated legal matters into something more palatable for the masses. Therefore, Irma became a law communicator who writes about everyday problems so everyone can understand them and take the appropriate action. She specialized in personal injury cases, as they are more common than anyone thinks, but her areas of expertise also include civil law, criminal law, insurance-related issues, and more.