Dog Bites
Dogs are some of the most common household pets in the United States. These animals provide great companionship and many of them serve as great protectors for their owners. However, sometimes even well-trained dogs may act unusually and unexpectedly in certain situations. When dogs feel threatened, they may lash out against another human and attack by biting.
Why do dogs attack?
There are a number of reasons why dogs may choose to attack another person:
- Protecting territory
- Defending itself or its owners
- Response to pain
- Response to punishment
- Response to a human aggravating it
- Response to a human contacting it when engaged in a fight with another animal
A number of factors, as well, play a role in whether or not a dog will choose to attack. Training and discipline, breed, health, and the way the victim reacts all contribute to a dog’s decision to bite or stay put.
The One-Bite Law
Texas is one of the 18 states in the US that upholds the one-bite law. This piece of legislation states that a dog owner will not be held liable for his or her animal’s first attack unless
- The owner was aware of the danger the dog posed to others
- The owner was negligently handling the dog
- The owner violated the leash law, which resulted in the attack
- The attack was instigated by the owner
As a victim of a dog bite, you can successfully make your case against the owner by proving that he or she was negligently handling the pet.
Contact Us
If you have suffered from a dog bite because an owner was negligently watching his or her dog, then you may have the right to compensation. Contact Austin personal injury lawyer Vic Feazell today at 877-948-4842 to explore your legal rights and options.
