Texas, including Austin, Dallas, and Houston, has become a dog-friendly area where off-leash dogs are common. Dogs are able to roam freely off-leash while they are in designated dog parks. Unfortunately, dogs are everywhere and may become vicious and attack whether they are on or off a leash.
Unfortunately, with the rise of dog and pet friendly areas, there has been an increase in the number of people that have experienced the painful injury of a dog bite. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 4.7 million dog bite attacks that occur across the United States every year. The second highest reason for emergency room visits is for an animal attack or a dog bite. Thousands of victims in Central Texas will have to experience some type of injury that will require medical attention. Statistics show that about 800,000 people in the United States will end up needing emergency medical treatment from a dog bite. Dozens of people in the United States end up being killed by a dog bite every year.
Dog and other animal bites can cause deep emotional and physical scars. Children are the most vulnerable due to their strength and size and become the most common dog bite victims. When you or a loved one gets injured by a dog or another animal, you need to know your rights. Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC will make sure that you get compensated for your injuries and are protected from any costs that you had to incur as a result of the animal attack.
What Should You Do After a Dog or Animal Attack?
- Get immediate medical attention
- Get the dog/pet owners information
- Find witnesses in the area that saw the event
- Take immediate photographs of your injuries
- Contact Ely, Valentine & Reed, PLLC to protect yourself
Are the Pet Owners Responsible for the Attack?
Dog owners and pet owners are responsible for maintaining and controlling their pets. However, it is not uncommon for pet owners to refuse to deal with a victim that has been bit by the owner’s dog. Most people do not like admitting that their dog/pet is violent or that their animal may have injured another person. It is important to know your rights in a dog bite situation. The owner and the homeowner’s insurance company could be responsible for the attack and the resulting injuries.