Dog bites are a serious public safety concern, so much so that dog bite lawyers are frequently called into action when they occur.
Although Texas does adhere to the “One Bite” rule, laws pertaining to owner negligence, dangerous dogs, and who is responsible for injuries caused can be unclear.
Those dealing with dog bite incidents should always seek assistance from experienced dog bite attorneys, who can interpret the situation and advise those bitten, as well as the owners of involved dogs, on their best course of action.
What Is The One Bite Rule for Dogs in Texas?
The “One Bite” rule recognized in Texas suggests that if a dog has never bitten before, dog bite attorneys advise that owners who have no reason to suspect their dog would bite may have a lesser degree of negligence for an incident depending on the factors that led to the bite.
After a dog has bitten that one time, this puts a responsibility on the owner to prevent future bites.
The dog must be registered with the county as being a dangerous dog and the owner could end up fully liable for any future incidents.
Dog Bite Cases Are Inherently Complicated
Dog bite incidents are complicated at best, especially when they involve dogs that have never bitten anyone before.
If there is little reason for an owner to suspect their dog would bite and cause injury, proving negligence can be difficult.
Simultaneously, dog bite lawyers may also find it difficult to prove that the person who was bitten provoked the dog and caused the bite to happen.
The Complications of Determining Liability - Plaintiffs
Determining liability in dog bite cases can be a complicated effort according to dog bite lawyers.
Many details, including biting history, temperament of the dog, whether or not the dog was provoked, and where the bite happened are all considered.
Plaintiff dog bite attorneys must be able to somehow prove that the dog owner was negligent and the bite could have been prevented.
The Complications of Defending Liability - Defendants
On the other hand, defendants and their representing dog bite lawyer must somehow prove that their dog was provoked by an irresponsible plaintiff or the bite was a reasonable reaction by the dog considering the circumstances.
Naturally, based on the One Bite rule, if the dog has bitten before, this places a huge burden of negligence on the owner who will likely be found liable for any injuries or other damages.
In Summary
For this reason, it is highly recommended that anyone involved in a dog bite incident seek the counsel of an experienced dog bite attorney, whether they are the owner of the dog or the person who was bitten.
With a detailed explanation of the events leading up to the bite, lawyers can interpret the situation and determine who is responsible for damages and why.