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Many people associate dog bites with minor injuries like shallow puncture wounds that heal within a matter of days, but they’re more common and serious than you’d think.
Dog Bite Statistics
4.5 million Americans suffer from dog bites each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and almost 900,000 people per year require medical attention. In 2012 alone, more than 2,700 people had to have reconstructive surgery as a result of dog bites.
Dog bites must be taken seriously and their owners should be held responsible. If you or your child has been injured by a dog attack, The Payne Law Group can help. Our Bryan dog bite attorneys are knowledgeable about personal injury laws and liability, including Texas dog bite laws.
Why Dogs Bite & Common Injuries
Countless Americans own dogs – the Humane Society of the United States reported that nearly 40% of U.S. households own at least one dog.
While many see dogs as members of their family, dogs are still animals who can attack or lash out for various reasons, and cause serious harm to someone.
Common causes of dog bites include:
- When a dog is feeling threatened: Dogs may lash out if they feel stressed, scared, or surprised, such as in cases where a sudden noise, strange movement nearby or other dogs are near.
- When a dog wants to protect something valuable to them, such as a toy or food: Dogs can be territorial and want to protect what they love if they feel that a person or another dog is trying to take it away.
- When a dog isn’t feeling well: Dogs who are sick or sore because of injuries generally want to be left alone and may lash out if someone is near them.
- When a dog is playful: Dogs are known to nip and bite during play, which is fun for them but poses great dangers to humans.
Dog bites can range from minor to serious, and some can even require numerous surgeries to repair the damage.
What Are the Most Common Dog Bite Injuries?
Common injuries include abrasions and lacerations, like deep cuts or tears in the skin, which require stitches. Approximately 10 to 15% of dog bites also lead to infections due to bacteria in the dog’s mouth or germs already present on your skin.
The worst infection you can get from a dog bite is rabies, which causes 50,000 deaths a year.
Other, more serious injuries include fractured or crushed bones that can damage your muscles and soft tissues, and avulsion injuries, where tissues or skin are ripped from your body. Avulsion injuries typically require reconstructive surgery and can lead to lifelong scarring.
Who Is at Risk for Dog Bites?
Unfortunately, children are at the highest risk of dog attacks, and more than 50% of all dog bite victims are children.
According to the CDC, dog bites are more of a concern for children than mumps, whooping cough, and measles combined. Severe injuries from dog bites are highest for children between ages 5 and 9.
How Is Liability Determined in Texas?
Texas generally adheres to the “one free bite” rule, which means the dog owner may not be liable if there have been no prior incidents and the owner has no knowledge or notice that the dog could cause an injury. However, there can be exceptions.
Dog owners in the state of Texas are usually responsible for the damages caused by their dog if it causes injuries.
Let The Payne Law Group dog bite lawyers in Bryan, TX review your particular situation and talk to you about whether or not you may be entitled to recovery for damages for:
- Medical bills
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
Dog Bite FAQ:
How Much Can You Sue for a Dog Bite?
When it comes to dog bite injuries, a settlement will generally seek to cover the following types of damages:
- Emergency room visits
- Follow-up doctor visits
- Missed work
- Medication
- Any other long-term damages including permanent scarring
While the exact settlement amount may vary from one case to the next, a professional dog bite lawyer can help ensure you receive fair compensation.
Should You Get a Lawyer for Your Dog Bite Accident?
The answer to this question oftentimes depends on how serious your injuries are following your accident.
If you believe that your injuries will require extensive medical treatment, or if you have lost of loved one as a result of a dog attack, you should consider hiring a lawyer to represent your case. Contact The Payne Law Group for help today.