Midland Dog Bite Lawyer
Dogs are usually loving and gentle, so it can be a traumatic experience for everyone involved when a pet becomes aggressive and attacks a human. If you have been attacked by a dog, a Midland dog bite lawyer could provide legal counsel and assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries.
Legal disputes are often complex and can be stressful. Having a skilled personal injury attorney on your side could help smooth the process of pursuing legal action and ease the tensions associated with a dog bite accident.
Reasons That Dogs May Attack People
An aggressive dog is not always a reflection of ownership or breeding. There are a multitude of factors that could trigger a dog’s attack instincts.
Some dogs, particularly rescues, have bad reactions to certain people, places, or things that remind them of abuse they suffered in the past. Many times, dogs attack to protect their family or territory.
Most dogs do not attack humans unprovoked. Taunting or aggressively playing with a dog may instigate the animal to bite, even if the person did not intend to hurt or anger the dog. Some owners also train their dogs to attack intruders or threatening individuals in certain situations.
Non-Aggressive Dog Bites
When a dog gets overly excited, it might bite a person as a form of play. This is a non-aggressive act that is not intended to cause harm, but it still can. Some dogs do not realize their strength and can inflict serious injury with a bite, whether it is playful or not.
Dog Bite Injuries
Getting attacked by a dog can leave victims with emotional and physical scars. Some common injuries that dog bites can cause are:
- Bruises
- Cuts and scratches
- Face and eye injuries
- Infections
- Nerve damage
- Bone fractures
- Disfigurement
These injuries might be costly to treat if they are severe enough. Those who seek damages via a lawsuit could receive compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. An animal attack attorney could help Midland victims negotiate a settlement following a dog bite injury.
Local Dog Bite Laws
Dogs who attack and injure people unprovoked are considered to be “dangerous dogs” in Midland. A person who owns a dangerous dog must keep it in a safe enclosure that is not accessible to the public or children and place signage indicating a dangerous dog inside. The owner must also keep the dog on a leash when it is outside of its enclosure. Owners also need to purchase liability insurance and register with the local animal control services within 30 days of discovering they have a dangerous dog.
Dog Owner Duty & Negligence
Dog owners in Midland are not usually held liable for dog bites unless they knew that their dog had a history of biting or had the propensity for biting. The state abides by a “one bite” rule, which offers grace for the dog owner after the dog’s first bite but could hold them liable for future bites.
An owner who knows their dog is prone to biting people must take all necessary precautions to ensure the animal does not continue to attack. Those who fail to do so could end up facing legal action for negligence if their dog bites and injures another person.
Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Midland
If a dog bite victim intends to sue for damages, their first order of business after the attack should be to get their wounds treated. This will allow a medical professional to identify and document the extent of the injuries, which the plaintiff’s attorney can factor into their settlement negotiations.
Retaining legal representation is the next step for victims. A seasoned local lawyer could give guidance on how to file a dog bite injury claim, explaining what documents are needed, how to fill them out, and where to submit them.
Defend Your Rights with a Midland Dog Bite Attorney
If you have been attacked by a dog and suffered injuries as a result, consult with a Midland dog bite lawyer to determine whether you may be eligible to seek damages. A skilled attorney could be a valuable resource throughout the lawsuit process, and their expertise might help you obtain the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. Reach out to the dedicated professionals at Chad Jones Law today to learn more.
