Know Your Rights After a Dog Attack
By harmonsonlaw on May 14th, 2024 in Dog Bites
Being attacked by a dog is a traumatizing experience that often leaves both physical and emotional scars. Each year, countless individuals suffer from dog bite injuries, leading to costly emergency room visits. According to Forbes, roughly 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S. every year. Dog bites sometimes result in claims against home insurance. In 2022, there were 1,017 dog bite claims in Texas, making it the third-highest among all states. Legally, dog owners are responsible for their pets’ behavior and can be held liable if they fail to prevent attacks.
Common Injuries from a Dog Attack
A dog attack can result in severe injuries ranging from physical to psychological. The trauma of an attack can lead to severe injuries such as disfigurement or amputation. Beyond physical injuries, many victims experience profound emotional effects, including a lasting fear of dogs. Injuries commonly associated with dog bites include:
- Bone fractures
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Infections and rabies
- Cuts, abrasions, and nerve damage
- Head injuries
- Emotional distress and fear of dogs
- Death in extreme cases
Legal Recourse and Compensation
The circumstances of a dog attack can vary greatly — it might occur on private property, in public areas like parks, or even in your own backyard. If a dog owner failed to properly control their pet, did not adhere to leash laws, or ignored the animal’s known aggressive behavior, they could be considered negligent and liable for any resulting injuries.
Victims of dog bites can pursue compensation for various damages, including:
- Hospitalization and ambulance fees
- Loss of wages or income
- Medical and emergency room costs
- Ongoing physical rehabilitation and psychological therapy
- Plastic surgery for disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial costs in the case of fatal incidents
How Our Team Can Help
At Harmonson Law Firm, we understand the physical and emotional toll of dog bite incidents. We are dedicated to ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve to alleviate the burden of unexpected medical expenses and support their recovery journey.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, do not hesitate to contact us at (915) 221-2245 to schedule a complimentary case evaluation.