Midland Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog bite can cause serious injury to a person, and can include emotional harm in addition to physical bodily harm. If you or a loved one has been injured from a dog bite, reach out to a Midland dog bite lawyer at Schechter Shaffer & Harris for a free case evaluation.

Dog bite incidents can leave you with large medical expenses, lost wages from time off work, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue the compensation you deserve, dedicated to fighting for you and securing the maximum damages possible.

How State Law Approaches Dog Bites

A dog owner can be held liable for their dog’s actions under the one bite rule or negligence in Midland, Texas. There are two possible theories of the case in this instance.

One-Bite Rule

A dog owner can be held liable for an injury caused by their dog if:

• The dog bites a person; and
• The bite occurred while lawfully on private property or a public place
• The owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous or posed a threat to others

Negligence on the Dog Owner’s Part

For a dog owner to be held liable for damages caused by their dog’s attack, outside of the one bite rule, the bite victim must demonstrate:

• The dog owner owed the victim a duty of care;
• The dog owner breached that duty of care;
• The dog owner knew that his breach could cause harm to another person; and
• The injured person would not have suffered an injury if it had not been for the dog owner’s failure to act

When Are Dog Owners Not Liable?

Texas law favors victims of dog bites; however, there are situations where owners have defenses and will not be held liable. For example, if the injured person was provoking the dog whether verbally or physically, the owner may escape liability. Additionally, if the victim was unlawfully on private property (trespassing), the owner may assert this defense and avoid liability.

What To Do After Suffering A Dog Bite

A dog bite can be extremely serious. It is crucial to take swift and immediate steps to protect yourself legally and physically.

• Seek immediate medical attention
• Document the incident with photos, locations, date and time, names and statements of witnesses.
• Make a formal report of the incident
• Consult with a lawyer

When a domestic animal like a dog bites someone in Midland, it must be either quarantined or euthanized even if the dog was fully vaccinated against diseases like rabies. The dog owner is responsible for the associated cost.

Types of Compensation for a Dog Bite Claim

After incurring an injury from a dog bite, a victim may have large medical expenses, a need for ongoing care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Both economic and non-economic damages may be sought by a dog bite victim. Just like the names imply, economic damages include compensation for monetary losses like medical expenses, whereas non-economic damages are compensation for a more subjective list of reasons like emotional distress and pain and suffering.

Learn How a Dog Bite Attorney in Midland Can Help

If you have suffered from a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation to cover medical bills and other necessary expenses. A Midland dog bite lawyer can help you understand your options and seek compensation you deserve.  Schechter Shaffer & Harris can work to secure a positive outcome to a stressful situation. Speak with us and schedule a free consultation.