Bitten By A Dog? Here’s Everything You Need To Know
Although dogs are incredibly popular pets, it’s important to remember that they are animals, first and foremost. Even the tamest pup can bite someone when they least expect it. Dog bites are nothing to scoff at. Most dogs’ jaws have enough strength to cut through flesh. In some cases, dog bites can puncture major arteries and even cause death. It’s a hard topic to talk about, but it’s important nonetheless. If you’re in the El Paso area and you or a loved one have suffered from a dog bite attack, then it’s time to speak with a dog bite attorney. Keep reading to learn more about what you must do after a dog bite attack.
Dog Bites Can Occur When You Least Expect Them
Although a handful of dog bite cases occur when a calm family dog attacks a friend or relative seemingly out of nowhere, most cases occur out of the blue. Perhaps you’re taking the trash out at night or you’re simply going for a walk in the afternoon when a dog comes out of nowhere and attacks you or your family. When a dog escapes and wanders loose in the neighborhood, there’s really no way to protect or defend yourself, since you had no way of knowing there was a threat, to begin with.
People may think “it’ll never happen to me.” Perhaps you don’t even own a dog or have any friends who own dogs, but that doesn’t mean you’re immune to dog bites. The sad reality is that dog bites can occur in a variety of situations. If you’re in the park enjoying an afternoon with your family, if you’re hiking the Franklin Mountains, or even if you’re walking in an outdoor shopping mall. We assume people who take their dogs out and about understand that they have an animal with them, not a teddy bear.
One thing people can do to avoid the prospect of a dog bite is to be vigilant constantly. If you notice a dog on a leash with the group sitting at the table adjacent to yours, try to keep your guard up. If the dog runs loose or begins to bark, you can play it safe and move to a different spot. Sure, the dog’s owner may think it rude but it’s better than becoming the victim of a dog bite!
You’ve Been Bitten By A Dog, Now What?
If you (or a loved one) have been bitten by a dog, you might feel unsure about how to proceed. Dog bite cases can appear simple on the surface, but the underlying details can make them incredibly complicated. This is why it’s best to speak with a lawyer who specializes in dog bites and attacks. These types of cases fall under the category of personal injury. There is a statute of limitations of two years so you can file your case in that timeline. If you miss the deadline, then the case will be dismissed. Once you file your case, you may be able to seek damages from the dog’s owner. The ownership of a dangerous animal (such as a german shepherd or rottweiler) places the owner in a position of liability if the animal ever bites or attacks anyone, leading to injury.
In the state of Texas, most dog cases depend on the establishment of negligence on the dog owner’s part. Negligence must be established and it must be proven that the owner had knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior and/or failed to prevent the attack from happening. If a dog jumps a fence and chases you as you’re jogging down the street, and the dog pushes you over, making you drop your iPhone and shattering it on the asphalt, then the pain and suffering, in addition to the medical care you might need to receive, will all be factored into your potential damages.
Will the Dog Be Put Down?
There’s a common thought that dogs who attack people need to be put down after the attack. If you’ve been attacked by a dog, your main priority is to gather the damages you deserve in order to recover in peace. The dog’s owner, however, will more-than-likely have to deal with the ramifications of the attack. Perhaps they’ll have to add a few inches to their backyard fence, keep their dog tied to a leash at all times, or make their dog wear a muzzle. If the dog is extremely violent and aggressive and has bitten multiple people, then the dog’s owner will have to take responsibility.
Let Rios & Parada Help
If you’ve been attacked by a dog, then it’s time to speak with a dog bite lawyer. Give the Law Offices of Rios & Parada a call today to schedule a consultation. You deserve to recover in peace, and we’re here to help you achieve this goal.