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It usually happens close to home. You’re walking to the mailbox, out for a jog, or your kid is playing in the front yard, and the neighbor’s dog gets loose. These situations are hard because you know the people involved. Nobody wants to start a feud with the family three doors down. But if you or someone you love gets hurt, taking care of yourself and your family has to come first. An Irving, TX dog bite lawyer can help you understand your legal options, address liability concerns, and pursue compensation for injuries caused by a neighbor’s dog.
Get medical care right away.
Get the wound looked at by a medical professional, even if it seems minor. Animal bites carry a real risk of infection, and puncture wounds can go deeper than they look. Your doctor will want to know whether the animal is up to date on its rabies shots. If the bleeding is heavy or the bite is on the face or neck, call 911.
Identify the animal and the owner, report it, and take pictures.
Get the owner’s name, address, and phone number, and ask for proof of rabies vaccination. If the owner isn’t around, note what the animal looked like and where it went. Get names and numbers from anyone who saw what happened.
In Texas, animal bites are supposed to be reported to the local rabies control authority. In Dallas, and anywhere in Texas, you can start with 311. A report creates an official record, and if this isn’t the first time the animal has gone after someone, that history can make a big difference later.
Photograph your injuries right away and keep photographing them as they heal. Get pictures of where it happened, any open gate or broken fence, and torn clothing.
Understand how Texas looks at these cases and insurance coverage.
Texas doesn’t have a strict liability dog bite law like some states. An owner can be held responsible if they knew, or should have known, the animal was aggressive, or if they were careless, like letting it run loose or leaving the gate open. That’s why history matters: prior complaints, prior bites, a neighbor who already warned them. A personal injury attorney will also evaluate your case against your local ordinances and animal control laws. And by the way, you’re probably not suing your neighbor’s bank account.This is what stops a lot of people from doing anything about a dog bite. In most cases, a claim like this is paid by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, not out of their pocket. That’s exactly what that the insurance coverage is for.
Watch what you say, keep track of everything and get advice early!
Be polite, but don’t brush it off or say it’s no big deal before a doctor has seen you. If the owner’s insurance company calls, you don’t have to give a recorded statement right away.Keep track of medical bills, follow-up visits, time off work, and counseling if you or your child is now afraid of dogs.
Texas generally allows two years to file a personal injury claim, but evidence and memories fade fast. A free consultation with an attorney like the ones at Kelso Law can help you understand your options without committing to anything.
Being a good neighbor doesn’t mean paying for someone else’s mistake.
