You might have been walking through your neighborhood, visiting a friend, or simply going about your daily routine when a dog suddenly lunged at you, leaving you with serious injuries that will affect your life for months or even years to come. If you were bitten by a dog in Round Rock, you do not have to face the aftermath alone.
The personal injury lawyers at Dow Law Firm have helped countless dog bite victims secure the compensation they need to move forward with their lives. Our dedicated Round Rock dog bite attorneys will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and hold the owner accountable. Schedule your free consultation today and begin your journey to justice.
Texas Dog Bite Laws and Owner Responsibility
Texas courts have established two primary ways that dog owners can be held liable for injuries their animals cause.
The first pathway involves the one-bite rule. Under this theory, dog owners face strict liability when they know or should reasonably know that their dog has dangerous or aggressive tendencies.
Once an owner has this knowledge, whether from a previous bite, aggressive behavior, or other warning signs, they become automatically responsible for any future attacks their dog commits. This strict liability standard means you do not need to prove the owner acted carelessly or irresponsibly; their knowledge of the dog’s dangerous behavior is enough to establish liability.
The second pathway involves proving negligence on the part of the dog owner. Even when owners have no prior knowledge of their dog’s aggressive tendencies, they can still be held responsible if their careless actions led to your injuries.
Common examples of negligence include:
- Allowing a dog to roam freely without a leash
- Failing to properly secure a yard or gate
- Bringing an inadequately controlled dog into public spaces
To succeed with a negligence claim, you must demonstrate that the owner’s irresponsible behavior directly contributed to the attack that injured you.
Common Injuries from Dog Attacks
Dog attacks can cause devastating injuries. The force of a dog’s bite, combined with their natural instinct to shake and tear, often results in complex wounds that affect multiple layers of tissue, muscle, and bone.
The most frequently reported injuries from dog attacks include:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations that require surgical repair and leave permanent scarring
- Torn muscles, tendons, and ligaments that may require reconstructive surgery
- Broken bones, particularly in the hands, arms, and face
- Nerve damage that can result in permanent loss of sensation or mobility
- Facial injuries that may require plastic surgery and cause lasting disfigurement
- Eye injuries that can lead to partial or complete vision loss
- Infections, which can lead to life-threatening conditions like sepsis
- Psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder and a lasting fear of dogs
In the most tragic cases, dog attacks can lead to fatal complications. When this happens, surviving family members may have grounds to pursue justice with the help of a Round Rock wrongful death lawyer.
Steps to Take After a Round Rock Dog Bite Incident
When you have been attacked by a dog, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and scared. What should you do next in this situation? Follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even seemingly minor bites can lead to serious infections or complications, so get professional medical evaluation and treatment without delay.
- Document the Scene Thoroughly: Take photographs of your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and the dog, if possible, as this evidence will be very important for your case.
- Identify the Dog and Owner: Obtain the owner’s name, contact information, and insurance details, along with information about the dog’s vaccination history and any previous incidents.
- Report the Incident to Authorities: Contact local animal control and file a police report to create an official record of the attack.
- Preserve Physical Evidence: Keep bloodied clothing and any torn items, as these can serve as important evidence of the attack and its severity.
- Gather Witness Information: Collect contact details from anyone who witnessed the attack, as their testimony may prove valuable later.
- Keep Detailed Records: Document all medical treatments, expenses, missed work days, and how the injury affects your daily life. Keep a journal documenting your symptoms and psychological state.
- Consult a Lawyer Early: An experienced Round Rock dog bite attorney can help preserve critical evidence, communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, and guide you through every stage of your legal claim.
Do You Need to Hire a Round Rock Dog Bite Lawyer?
Absolutely. Dog bite cases involve complex legal theories, aggressive insurance companies, and medical evidence that requires skilled legal interpretation. A qualified dog bite attorney brings invaluable knowledge and experience to your case, leveraging all of their skills and resources to build a compelling case for you.
At Dow Law Firm, our Round Rock dog bite lawyers work with medical experts to properly document your injuries and their long-term impact. They can help ensure that any settlement or judgment reflects the true cost of your recovery.
We will also handle all communications with insurance companies, protecting you from tactics designed to undermine your claim or convince you to accept inadequate compensation.
Furthermore, dog bite cases often involve high financial stakes. Medical bills for reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, and psychological treatment can quickly reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Without legal representation, you are more likely to settle for far less than your case is actually worth, leaving you to shoulder the financial burden of someone else’s actions. Your dog bite attorney will validate whether a settlement offer is fair and advocate for the highest possible settlement on your behalf.
Common Challenges Faced by Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite victims face numerous obstacles when pursuing compensation. Dog owners and their insurers commonly argue that victims provoked the attack, trespassed on private property, or somehow contributed to their own injuries. They may claim that the dog had never shown aggressive behavior before, making it impossible for the owner to predict the attack.
Dow Law Firm understands these defenses and knows how to counter them effectively. We will build a comprehensive case file that includes expert medical testimony, thorough documentation of the dog’s history, and evidence that clearly establishes the owner’s liability.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Dog Bite Attorney in Round Rock
A dog attack is traumatic enough without worrying about medical expenses and lost wages. Whether you are suffering from scarring, nerve damage, or emotional trauma, you deserve serious compensation. Dow Law Firm will work tirelessly to hold the owner accountable and secure the settlement you deserve.
Contact us at (512) 240-9951 for a free consultation and trust our Round Rock dog bite lawyers to fight for you.