Can You Sue for a Minor Dog Bite in Texas?
Unfortunately, not all dogs are friendly or man’s best friend. Aggressive dogs may bite or attack unsuspecting victims. Dog bites have the potential to cause serious injuries or disfigurement.
Individuals injured by a dog bite may be due monetary compensation for injury damages. The right to file a dog bite lawsuit depends partially on the severity of the injuries. Dog bite attorneys at G.R. Akin, P.C., in Longview, TX, go over the grounds for a dog bite lawsuit, including whether or not you can sue for a minor dog bite in Texas.
Was the Dog Bite Unprovoked?
When considering if you can sue for a minor dog bite, one of the first questions is, “was the bite unprovoked?” As long as the victim did nothing to threaten the dog or provoke the attack, and provided the victim was not trespassing at the time of the attack, filing a lawsuit is possible.
How Minor Was the Dog Bite?
The severity of a dog bite is taken into consideration when determining grounds for a dog bite lawsuit. However, the word “minor” means different things to different people. Some people think dog bite injuries are minor when the court would classify them as moderate to severe. These questions help determine the nature of a dog bite:
- Did the dog bite leave marks?
- Did the dog bite puncture the skin?
- Did the dog bite leave multiple puncture marks, bruising, or other soft tissue damage?
If a dog bite leaves no marks and causes no injuries that require treatment, the need for a lawsuit is unlikely. Filing a personal injury claim may be valid if a dog bite breaks the skin or causes other injuries. Even seemingly minor bites can cause pain and emotional trauma. Any bite that breaks the skin introduces bacteria to the bloodstream and may cause infections such as tetanus, rabies, and sepsis.
Did the Bite Cause Losses?
Personal injury lawsuits compensate victims for the physical, emotional, and financial damages associated with injuries. Dog bite victims can file a lawsuit if they can demonstrate injury losses. Frequent sources of loss following a dog bite include:
- Medical expenses
- Cost of ongoing therapy or rehabilitation
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
Can You Establish Liability?
Dog bite victims must establish liability to file a personal injury lawsuit and recover compensation for injury damages. Our Longview attorneys collect evidence to demonstrate fault by showing the dog’s owner was aware that their dog was likely to act aggressively and failed to take steps to prevent or intervene with the dog attack.
Get in Touch
If you suspect that you have grounds to file a dog bite lawsuit, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss the details of your case. Attorneys at G.R. Akin, P.C. would be happy to examine your claim and advise you of your best course of legal action. To schedule a consultation at our Longview law firm, send us a message online or call (903) 297-8929.