Can You Sue for a Minor Dog Bite in Texas?
Dog bites are more common than many people realize. A dog may bite because it is aggressive or feels scared or threatened. Dog bites can result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment. When someone suffers a severe dog bite, they should consider filing a lawsuit against the dog’s owner to recover compensation for damages.
While dog bites are often catastrophic, they can also result in minor injuries. At his Arlington, TX, law firm Roger “Rocky” Walton is frequently asked, “can you sue for a minor dog bite in Texas?” Whether to sue for a minor dog bite depends on the losses caused by the injury. Rocky Walton consults with dog bite victims to determine if a lawsuit is appropriate.
The Severity of Dog Bites
As with many other types of injuries, dog bites are often categorized by severity. What some people consider a minor dog bite injury may be more severe than they realize. Dog bite classifications generally follow these guidelines:
Minor dog bites
A minor dog bite usually involves aggressive behavior, such as barking, growling, or jumping. Even though the dog bites down, if it doesn’t break through the skin it is considered minor.
Moderate dog bites
Moderate dog bites usually puncture at least the top skin layer. These bites may cause bleeding and result in bruises and other visible wounds.
Severe dog bites
Severe dog bites usually involve deep puncture wounds. Severe dog bites cause advanced injuries such as nerve damage, broken bones, and disfigurement.
Potential Dog Bite Complications
Dog bite classifications can be misleading. When referring to “minor” dog bites, many people describe injuries resulting in broken skin, which are actually classified as moderate bites. Even dog bites of this degree can lead to complications. Any scratch or bite can allow bacteria from a dog’s mouth to enter the body. Bacteria can cause infections such as tetanus, rabies, or sepsis. These types of infections require medical treatment to prevent catastrophic illness or death.
When to Consider a Dog Bite Lawsuit
When advising dog bite victims in the Arlington area on whether or not to file a lawsuit, Rocky Walton considers the severity of damages rather than the severity of the bite. Minor and moderate dog bites have the potential to cause physical and emotional trauma and financial losses. If the dog’s owner is liable for the attack, they can legally be held accountable for the resulting losses.
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite victims have the right to pursue financial compensation for all economic and non-economic damages associated with their injuries. Potential areas of recovery in a dog bite lawsuit include:
- Medical expenses
- Cost of physical therapy
- Cost of psychological counseling or therapy
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Contact Our Law Firm
Dog bites have the potential to cause catastrophic damages, including physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses. If you or a loved one have suffered damages related to a dog bite, Roger “Rocky” Walton can help you determine the best course of legal action. To schedule a consultation at our Arlington law firm, send us a message online or call (817) 429-4299.
