Dog Bites

Houston Dog Bite Attorney

According to the American Pet Products Association, American households include almost 90 million dogs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the U.S. Among children, the rate of dog-bite related injuries is highest for those 5 to 9 years old. The Insurance Information Institute in collaboration with State Farm found that the total number of dog bite claims nationwide in 2019 alone was approximately 17,802. This was a 2.9% increase from the previous year. Victims of dog bites suffer from a wide range of injuries, including puncture wounds, permanent disfigurement, and even death. In 2018, nearly 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs according to a report published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you, your child, or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Houston, you should contact an attorney to determine whether you are eligible to seek compensation for your damages.

Houston Referred To As The Dog Bite Capital Of America

Texas and Houston are ranked as some of the worst areas for dog bites and fatal dog attacks in the nation, with Houston earning the 2018 title of the Dog Bite Capital of America from the U.S. Postal Service. Texas had the third highest number of dog bite claims among all states in 2019 with approximately 937 claims, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The nonprofit public education website DogBites.org conducted a study on fatal dog attacks between 2005 and 2017 and found that during that time 433 deaths were caused by dogs in the U.S., 62 of those deaths occurring in Texas. Harris is often at the top of the list for counties with the most fatal dog attacks each year in Texas.

Dog Owners’ Liability & The One-bite Rule

There are essentially three kinds of law that impose liability on dog owners:

1. A dog-bite statute: where the dog owner is automatically liable for any injury or property damage the dog causes without provocation.
2. The one-bite rule: where the dog owner is responsible for an injury caused by a dog if the owner knew the dog was likely to cause that type of injury—in this case, the victim must prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
3. Negligence laws: where the dog owner is liable if the injury occurred because the dog owner was unreasonably careless (negligent) in controlling the dog.

Texas does not have a universal law regarding dog bites, but it does have legal precedent in which the court sided with the one-bite rule. The precedent comes from the 1974 state Supreme Court Case Marshall v. Ranne. The Court determined that negligence must be proven in animal bite cases. Therefore, victims of dog attacks must prove the owner knew or should have known of the dangerous or vicious propensities of the dog and failed to use reasonable care to control the dog or prevent the bite.

Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites do not just result in puncture wounds and bite marks as the name might imply. Despite most dog bites not resulting in any injuries at all, it is not uncommon for dog bites to inflict serious injuries on their victims, even requiring reconstructive surgery in some cases. Some of the common injuries inflicted during a dog attack include:

• Puncture wounds
• Nerve damage
• Trauma to the throat, eye, and face
• Fractures
• Lacerations
• Soft tissue

More Information

• What Are The Common Types Of Injuries Sustained In Dog Bite Incidents?
• What Damages Is Someone Entitled To After Being Injured In A Dog Bite Incident?

Call Today For Help

If you or a loved one are the victim of a vicious dog attack, seek legal help as soon as possible. Failing to act promptly can hurt or limit your chances to seek the justice you deserve. Stanley Injury Law, PLLC will work nonstop to hold dog owners liable for any harm their vicious animal inflicts on innocent victims. With the experience, knowledge, and the resources, Attorney Kenneth Stanley is here to help you pursue everything you are entitled to for any dog bite injuries you sustain. Call today at  (832) 402-6008 or go online to schedule a free consultation or submit your case directly for review.