Dog Attacks Mother and Toddler in Texas
According to a report from WFAA, a dangerous dog attacked and injured a mother and her toddler in Midlothian, Texas. The dog, owned by the boyfriend of the victim for just six weeks, reportedly was a pitbull mix that entered the bedroom of a two-year old child and attacked. Here, our Missouri City premises liability lawyer explains more about what we know about this case and the law for dog bites in Texas.
Toddler Hurt in Terrible Dog Attack in Ellis County
As confirmed by reporting from WFFA news, a mother and her 2-year-old son were hurt in an attack by a dangerous dog in their home in Midlothian. According to the mother, the incident occurred when the dog unexpectedly rushed into the child’s bedroom and began biting him. The mother intervened and was also attacked. Both were transported for emergency care. The child required intensive treatment. Fortunately, he has improved. The dog, a pitbull mix which was adopted by the woman’s boyfriend just six weeks prior, was euthanized.
An Overview of the Law for Dog Bite Injury Claims in Texas
Texas is a “One Bite Rule” State for Civil Dog Bite Injury Claims
Unlike many other U.S. jurisdictions, Texas does not impose strict liability on dog owners for dog injuries. Instead, dog bite injury liability arises under common law negligence principles and case law. An injured victim may establish liability by proving the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous propensities. Prior bites, aggressive behavior, or credible warnings can satisfy that knowledge element. Only if this is established can the owner face strict liability for a dog bite.
Dog Bite Negligence Claims are Focused on the Owner’s Actions (or Inactions)
Negligence claims focus on whether the owner failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling or restraining the dog. A plaintiff must prove duty, breach, causation, and damages. Evidence may include failure to leash the dog, violation of local ordinances, or inadequate confinement. Every dog bite injury should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney.
Dog Bite Victims Can Seek Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Through a dog bite claim in Houston or elsewhere in Southeast Texas, victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their losses. Indeed, damages in Texas dog bite cases include both economic and non-economic losses. To start, an injured victim may recover medical expenses, lost wages, and costs of future care. Beyond that, non-economic damages include pain and suffering, disfigurement, and mental anguish.
Call Our Houston Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Today
At Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm, our Houston personal injury attorney is an advocate that dog bite victims can rely on. If you or your child was attacked by a dangerous dog, we are here to help. Please call us now or contact us online to set up a free case review. Our firm handles dog bite claims in Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and throughout the region in Southeast Texas.
Source:
wfaa.com/article/news/local/midlothian-texas-dog-attack-pecan-acres-mobile-park/287-83c002cb-08f7-4c5c-a391-e72edeb3b716
