Dog owners should be sure to control their pets when they are in public or when they interact with guests. When a dog owner is not vigilant when it comes to animal safety, there is a chance that another person could be injured when they are bit by a dog. If you were the victim of a dog bite and want compensation for your injuries, call our Houston dog bite injury lawyer today to evaluate your options.
The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., is aware of how a vicious dog attack may cause grievous injuries to a victim and a variety of other problems, and we believe you are entitled to compensation. Dog bite victims could pursue a personal injury claim against the dog owner that allowed their pet to behave violently. Contact our firm by calling (817) 476-1797 to plan a free legal consultation.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites in Houston
A dog attack is a frightening experience that would not only physically injure a person but may also leave them emotionally traumatized. When a person is bit by a dog, they likely do not consider the extent of the injuries they could suffer. As you might expect, a victim of a dog bite would sustain deep cuts and lacerations from the attack. However, these are not the only types of injuries that may result from a dog attack.
Broken bones are another type of injury that may happen when a person is attacked by a dog. Bone fractures in dog bite attacks are possible depending on the bite strength of the dog. If the dog is larger in size, such as a pit bull, there is a higher risk that the person could have one or multiple bone fractures.
Large dogs are not the only types of dogs that may pose a threat to a person. Many dogs are capable of passing on an infection to a victim from a simple puncture of the skin. If the dog who committed the attack did not receive the proper vaccinations, the victim may end up with serious diseases like rabies.
In some cases, a victim could be heavily disfigured due to a dog bite attack. For instance, if a dog manages to bite the victim’s face, they may have severe scarring that would have to be corrected with surgery.
These are not the only injuries that may be caused by a dog bite. A victim could also sustain the following injuries:
- Eye injuries
- Neck injuries
- Nerve damage
Dog Bite Statistics
In 2019, the most recent year available for comprehensive dog bite statistics, homeowner’s insurance paid out nearly $800 million in liability claims that stem from a dog attack. There are over 4.5 million dog bites every year, and many of these attacks cause a victim to develop an infection.
Victims that must visit the hospital after a dog bite injury must pay an average of $18,200 for a hospital stay. If the victim was seriously injured, this could mean an astronomical amount of money paid for medical expenses. If a victim is disfigured due to the attack, their medical expenses could be further compounded.
As mentioned, the breed of dog is an important factor when determining the severity of the victim’s injuries. For example, studies have shown that there is a much greater chance of suffering a complex wound from a pit bull attack. The head shape and weight of the dog will also play a role in how dangerous the animal’s bite will be.
When looking at these statistics, it is clear that victims of dog bites often have to contend with serious injuries and a number of expenses related to those injuries. This is why you should consider contacting our Houston dog bite injury attorneys to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Dog Bite Laws in Houston, TX
A victim of a dog bite could sue a dog owner under a few Texas laws. If it has been shown that the dog in question was dangerous or vicious, the courts may apply strict liability rule to the case. This means that the victim would not have to show that the pet owner was negligent. They will only have to prove that the dog was dangerous based on previous actions and the owner knew of the dog’s propensity for violent behavior. A plaintiff could prove that a dog was dangerous in a few ways:
- Proving the dog attacked someone in the past
- Showing the dog owner received notice from the court that the dog was dangerous
- Proving animal control notified the owner of the dog’s viciousness
Call Our Houston Dog Bite Injury Attorneys to Litigate Your Case
If you or your loved one was bitten by a dog in Houston, Texas, it would be prudent to call a Houston dog bite injury attorney now. As mentioned, dog bites could cause severe infections and other medical complications that could be dangerous to a victim. The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., could help you get started on a dog bite injury case to recover damages for your medical expenses and other costs resulting from the attack. To coordinate a free consultation with our Houston personal injury attorney, call us at (817) 476-1797.