Baytown Dog Bite Lawyer

If you were recently attacked by a vicious dog or bit by a dangerous canine, you may have suffered debilitating injuries. It is not unusual for victims to report infected bites, puncture wounds, organ damage, broken and fractured bones, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you have experienced similar injuries and are unsure of what your next steps should be, turn to a high-powered Baytown dog bite lawyer from Zinda Law Group.

Our no-win, no-fee guarantee makes it possible for any dog bite survivor to get the legal help they need when they need it most. Schedule your 100% free consultation with a leading Baytown personal injury lawyer as soon as today.

When you do, we can discuss how your dog bite injuries occurred, who might be sued for your damages, and how much compensation you could be awarded if our lawsuit is successful.

Understanding Texas Dog Bite Laws

Texas follows a mix of strict liability laws and the one-bite rule. There is no formal statute for dog bites, but that does not mean that dog owners can avoid culpability. If a dog owner knew or should have known that their pet was dangerous, they are strictly liable if their pet bites or attacks someone.

This is true even if the owner took necessary safety precautions or attempted to protect others from their dangerous dog. However, if the dog has never previously attacked or bitten, the dog owner may be able to avoid 100% liability as described in Marshall v. Ranne, 511 S.W.2d 255 (Tex. 1974).

It can be confusing to know whether the owner will be held accountable for the actions of their pet, so do not hesitate to consult our Baytown dog bite lawyer and find out what compensation you can get from a dog bite injury. 

Trespassing and Provocation

There is also the question of how the case will be handled if the dog was provoked or the injury victim was trespassing. Generally, dog owners will not be held accountable if the injury victim was trespassing at the time of the attack.

Similarly, it may be more challenging to hold dog owners accountable if you provoked the dog into attacking or biting.

Baytown Dog Bite FAQ

Does Baytown Have a Dangerous Dog Statute?

In Baytown’s Code of Ordinances, there is a dangerous dog statute. It includes the stipulations that determine whether a dog is considered dangerous. These include:

• A dog that kills, attacks, or seriously injures another animal unprovoked in a location other than its dwelling
• A dog that causes a reasonable person to believe that the dog might attack or cause severe bodily injury unprovoked
• A dog attacks someone, causing severe bodily injury unprovoked in a location other than its dwelling

Once a dog is considered dangerous, the law requires that the animal be registered with the Baytown Animal Services and Adoption Center. Dog owners will be required to submit proof of rabies vaccinations, keep the dog securely enclosed or on a leash at all times, and be required to obtain at least $100,000 in financial responsibility or liability insurance coverage.

The dog owner may also be required to include a dangerous dog tag on their pet’s harness or collar.

Can a Dog Be Euthanized for Biting?

Yes, dogs can be euthanized for biting in the state of Texas. However, some specific requirements and conditions must be met for the court system to determine whether euthanasia is appropriate. These include:

• Having a bite level of four or higher, as described on the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale
• The dog attack resulted in serious bodily injury
• The dog has exhibited aggressive behaviors that medication or thorough dog training cannot address safely

Will Punitive Damages Be Awarded?

Punitive damages are possible in dog bite cases. However, they are not awarded in every instance where a dog attacks or bites. Instead, punitive damages, also commonly referred to as exemplary damages, as described under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §41.001 may be issued if the defendant’s actions are egregious or grossly negligent.

If the dog owner knew that the animal had a history of biting or attacking or encouraged the dog to attack, malicious intent may apply. However, if the dog owner accidentally loses control of the dog’s leash, punitive damages may not be appropriate.

You can find out more about whether punitive damages are likely to be awarded in your case when you contact Your Baytown dog bite attorney from Zinda Law Group for a case evaluation.

What do I Do if the Dog Owner Blames Me?

You may be wondering when you can sue for a dog bite injury, especially if the dog owner blames you for causing the incident. They may accuse you of provoking the animal or somehow contributing to the injuries you sustained. However, remember that this is a common tactic at-fault parties use to potentially escape culpability.

According to Tex. Civ. Pract. & Proc. Code §33.001, Texas follows proportionate responsibility laws. Also commonly referred to as modified comparative negligence, sharing liability for your injuries will have an impact on the outcome of your case.

If you are more than 50% responsible for the incident or the injuries you suffered, the statute states that you are prohibited from receiving a settlement.

If your portion of fault is less than the 50% limit, you can still be awarded a settlement, but at a reduced rate. The amount of compensation that will be taken out of your settlement will be proportionate to your responsibility for your injuries. For instance, if you are found to be 5% responsible, you would only recover 95% of your award.

Trust in a Trial-Proven Dog Bite Attorney in Baytown, TX For Help Today

Dog bites and animal attacks are some of the most traumatizing accidents victims can endure. When dog owners lose control of their pets, they should be held accountable to the full extent of the law.

Turn to a passionate dog bite lawyer in Baytown, TX with Zinda Law Group when you are ready to fight for the just compensation that is rightfully yours.

We are ready to put our extensive resources and 100+ years of legal experience to work for you during this difficult time in your life. Do not get stuck absorbing the costs of the dog owner’s negligence.

Make them pay when you submit our online contact form or call our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.