Odessa Dog Bite Attorney

If you are out walking your dog, taking your child to school, or enjoying fresh air, you never expect to be attacked by a dog. Sometimes, owners allow their pets to roam the neighborhood or other public spaces freely.

Many times, these dangerous animals cause significant physical and emotional injuries to victims. Dog owners are responsible for their pets. They can be liable for any injuries and damages when they allow their animal to attack and harm others.

At Barrera Law Group LLC, we understand the difficulties that you are going through at this time. You need to reach out to an Odessa dog bite lawyer to learn your legal options. Contact us today to find out how you can hold these irresponsible dog owners accountable for their pet’s actions.

What You Need to Know About Dog Bites

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dog bites are a serious issue in the United States. Around 4.7 million people are estimated to be bitten by dogs every year. Out of these cases, about 800,000 require medical attention.

Shockingly, children account for almost half of all dog bite victims, while older people make up the second most common group of victims.

When looking at Texas-specific statistics, the state had the highest number of dog bite-related fatalities in the United States in 2015, with five deaths.

Where Do Bite Incidents Occur?

When you are in Odessa, there are several spots where you can be susceptible to a dog attack and, ultimately, a bite.

• In the owner’s home: Since dogs are territorial, they could exhibit aggressive behavior in their own space. If a dog feels threatened, cornered, or protective of its home (or owner), it may lash out and attack.
• Public spaces: While an owner can control some of the factors in the dog’s own space, once they take them in public, it can be another story. Some dogs act differently when off-leash or surrounded by other canines. Some pets can bite without provocation, whether in a dog park, on a trail, or on the street.

No matter the situation, if a dog bites you and causes injury, you may be able to file a personal injury claim.

Dog Bite Rules in Odessa

Odessa traditionally follows the “one bite rule.” This means that to recover compensation for a dog bite injury. However, you need to prove that the dog had a history of aggression or bit someone in a past incident.

Under these rules, dog owners can be held liable for any injuries, especially if they know their dog is dangerous or has caused harm in the past.

There are exceptions to these laws. For example, if a dog bites someone as they are trespassing or provoking the animal, then the owner may be liable for any injuries.

Negligence and Liability

Along with the “one bite rule,” Odessa also recognizes negligence-based liability for dog bites. With that, a dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog even if the dog has no history of aggression. In these personal injury cases, you will need to prove negligence by:

• Proving that the owner failed to take reasonable care to prevent the dog from biting someone
• Showing that the dog owner’s failure to take reasonable care was a direct cause of your injuries

Negligence can occur before, during, or after the attack. Some examples can include the dog owner:

• Failing to confine their dog in a yard or other outdoor structure
• Allowing the animal to escape from inside their home
• Walking the animal off-leash
• Using a leash that was ineffective in restraining the animal
• Being physically incapable of restraining the animal

If you believe that these scenarios apply to your case, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the pet’s owner. An Odessa dog bite lawyer can confirm whether you can. Should you be eligible to do so, you’ll need to act quickly. You only have two years from the date of the incident’s occurrence to take legal action. Otherwise, you will lose your right to recover compensation in your Texas dog bite case.

Injuries Resulting From Canine Attacks

Dog bites can cause a range of injuries. Some of the most common ones include:

• Lacerations and abrasions: A dog’s teeth can create jagged wounds, tearing the skin and underlying tissue.
• Infection: Infection is the biggest concern with dog bites. Bacteria from the dog’s mouth can enter the wound, leading to infections.
• Crush injuries: The powerful jaws of a dog can cause lung collapse, damage to internal organs, and fractures.
• Puncture wounds: Canine bites may result in deep puncture-type injuries, introducing bacteria into the tissue.
• Risk of rabies and tetanus: Unvaccinated and feral dogs can potentially carry and transfer rabies and tetanus.
• Death: In severe cases, some dogs have attacked and killed innocent victims.

Why Pays for Injuries Dogs Cause?

In cases of dog bite injuries, the responsibility for compensation falls on the dog’s owner. Most of the time, homeowner’s insurance policies usually cover these claims.

When you file a lawsuit, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to get a settlement on your case. In many cases, you might be able to recover:

• Medical expenses related to the bite, including hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages and income may be recovered if the injury causes the victim to miss work.
• Pain and suffering account for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the incident.

What To Do After a Dog Bite

After a dog has attacked you, you will want to seek medical attention. Make sure to keep all treatment records from the incident. Along with that, you will want to take photos and videos of the scene. Also, get the names of the dog owners and gather witness information.

Additionally, you need to contact the Odessa Police Department to file a complaint. Dog bites need to be reported. In many cases, if the dog has randomly attacked one person, they can do so in the future.

Finally, once you have the owner’s information, you will want to reach out to an attorney. With their help, you can determine the next steps in your legal claim.

Experienced Legal Help After an Attack by a Dog

Unprovoked dog attacks are serious concerns throughout the Odessa area. Many times, negligent owners allow their animals to roam and bite innocent residents in town. With that, these victims must suffer physical, emotional, and financial burdens due to someone else’s irresponsibility.

However, you have the right to hold them accountable for these actions. An Odessa dog bite lawyer can help.

You can count on our team at Barrera Law Group LLC to advise you on how to handle your case. If you are ready to learn more, contact our office for an initial consultation with a member of our legal team.