Dogs are man’s best friend, and this is ever evident on our city streets. In fact, it is a strange day when a dog walker is not present on most streets within Texas. Unfortunately, not every dog owner takes the appropriate measures to train their dogs and to discipline their dogs, which can result in serious attacks. If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog bite attack which occurred on another’s property, you may be entitled to bring a claim for damages against the responsible party.

While some states have a traditional dog bite statute, Texas instead adheres to laws developed in the courtroom – the strict “one bite” rule. Under this rule, a victim of a dog bite attack can recover from the dog owner if the dog had previously bit another person and the owner was aware of this prior bite or propensity for violence. However, if the dog bite attack was the dog’s first time to attack another person, the victim will be unable to use the “one bite” rule in their claim. In this situation, a victim may look to a theory of negligence or other types of recovery that depend on the facts of the case.

Property owners have a strict duty of care to protect guests on their property from receiving any serious injuries. Dog bite attacks that take place on a dog owner’s property or the property of a person who allows the dog on their property, can place liability on the property owner.

A guest on property has the highest level of protection in case of accidents. A guest will always be protected by the law if a dog bite occurs on someone else’s property assuming the facts meet the Texas “one bite” rule. A trespasser will additionally be protected in case an attack occurs on someone else’s property even though the individual is trespassing. A property owner who is aware that the dog has previously attacked other people and is aware that trespassers may find their way onto the property should take efforts to control the dog and to post signs warning of the dog’s propensity for injury.

Certain landlords may require their tenants to hold a renter’s policy that would cover dog bite attacks. Other landlords may actually include a “dog clause” within the lease that lowers the risk of liability in case a dog bite attack happens on the property.

A property owner may be held liable for the resulting damage caused by a dog bite attack, including the following:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation expenses
• Lost wages
• Future earnings
• Pain and suffering

An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to assist you in discussing the full amount of damages you are entitled to receive after a dog bite attack.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog bite attack which took place on another’s property, do not hesitate to contact the Malley Law Firm. Tony Malley has years of experience in handling injury cases stemming from dog bite attacks and will work closely with you during the claim process. Contact our Houston or Beaumont offices today for your initial free consultation.