League City Dog Bite Lawyer

Many dog owners consider their furry companions part of the family. While most dogs display friendly and gentle dispositions, even the tamest canine may bite someone if provoked. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports nearly five million dog bites annually, with approximately 8,000 requiring medical care.

Approximately half of all dog bites occur on the owner’s property, making up about a third of homeowners insurance liability claims. Our experienced personal injury attorneys know all about the dangers of dog bites, the liabilities surrounding this incident, and what action to take if you fall victim. Learn more from our League City dog bite lawyers.

Why Are Dog Bites So Dangerous?

Children receive many dog bites, often because the child may be harming or provoking the dog. The dog may instinctively warn the child with a relatively harmless nip, but if it needs to protect its owner, property, or a litter of puppies, the bite will be much more substantial.

If the bite pierces the flesh, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, potentially causing an infection. Symptoms pointing to infection include pain, swelling, and a discharge or draining from the wound.

You need to wash the wounded area immediately after the bite happens. An unattended infection may lead to severe conditions such as rabies or sepsis. If the infection spreads throughout the body, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or vaccinations to curtail it.

Dog bites and attacks can be severe and even fatal. In the United States, emergency rooms see about 1,000 dog bite victims daily.  It’s imperative to contact a League City lawyer if you’ve suffered an attack from a dog.

Are Some Breeds More Dangerous than Others?

Many experts point to breeds such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds when they warn of possible violent encounters with dogs. These breeds are known for their assertiveness and loyalty. Pit bulls, especially, represent a cross between bulldogs and terriers and are bred specifically for their aggression. Still, recent studies reveal that the dog’s environment and training matter much more than the breed. People should not expect any one breed to act more passively or aggressively than the next.

However, large breeds and dogs, such as pit bulls, possess the muscular strength to do more harm than a smaller breed.

Who is Liable in a Dog Bite Case?

The dog’s owner is responsible for warning visitors or keeping them restrained if they know the animal tends to bite. Three kinds of laws assign blame to the owner, but Texas has the “one-bite rule,” which means the the owner might not be responsible for the first instance of their dog biting someone, in certain situations. There are also situations where the plaintiff could be seen as responsible, if they actively threatened the dog.

Steps to Take When Bitten or Harmed by a Dog

If you or your child is the victim of a dog bite or attack while in a public place or visiting others, follow the steps below:

• Identify the dog and the owner.
• Ask the owner for proof of rabies shots. If the owner cannot provide evidence that their dog’s vaccinations are up to date, the bite victim may need to undergo an expensive regimen of rabies shots immediately.
• Seek immediate medical care. Call 911 if the injuries appear life-threatening. If you don’t appear to need an ambulance, ask someone to drive you to Urgent Care or the Emergency Room. Retain all medical reports.
• File a dog bite report with your local municipality.
• Document the incident and your injuries with written accounts and photographs.

Contact a lawyer in League City who is experienced in dog bite cases and will fight to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.

Work With a League City Dog Bite Attorney for Assistance

With decades of experience behind us, our Schechter, Shaffer & Harris LLP legal team has helped countless individuals get restitution for their injuries. Our League City dog bite lawyers are ready to fight to ensure you can pay medical bills, cover lost wages, and deal with the pain and suffering.

If you have been bitten by a dog, we suggest you contact us for a no-obligation consultation. We won’t charge a fee unless you receive a settlement.