Dog bites can be a serious and scary matter, especially if you live in Texas where dog bite laws are strict. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog in Texas, it’s important to report it right away. Here’s what you need to know about how to report a dog bite in Texas.
Seek Medical Attention
The first step after being bitten by a dog is to seek medical attention immediately. This is important for your own safety and well-being, as well as to document the severity of the bite. Even if the bite doesn’t seem serious at first, it’s important to have a medical professional examine it to prevent any potential infections or complications.
Identify the Dog
If possible, try to identify the dog that bit you. This includes getting the owner’s name and contact information, as well as any information about the dog such as its breed and vaccination history. If the dog was a stray or you cannot identify the owner, contact animal control or the police to report the incident.
Report the Bite to the Local Health Department
In Texas, dog bites must be reported to the local health department within 10 days of the incident. You can contact the health department in the county where the bite occurred to make the report. They will ask for details about the incident and the dog, so it’s important to have as much information as possible.
Contact an Attorney
If you were seriously injured or suffered significant damages as a result of the dog bite, you may want to consider contacting an attorney who specializes in dog bite cases. They can help you navigate the legal process and work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Follow up with the Health Department
After reporting the dog bite to the local health department, make sure to follow up with them to ensure that the case is being properly handled. They may ask for additional information or request that you provide updates on your medical condition. It’s important to cooperate with them throughout the process to ensure that the incident is properly documented.
Consider Filing a Lawsuit
If the dog owner was negligent in controlling their dog or knew that their dog was dangerous and did nothing to prevent the attack, you may be able to file a lawsuit against them. In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the incident, so it’s important to act quickly if you decide to pursue legal action.
Be Prepared for Possible Quarantine
If the dog that bit you is a family pet or belongs to someone you know, it’s possible that the dog may need to be quarantined for a period of time to ensure that it doesn’t have rabies or other diseases. The length of the quarantine will depend on the circumstances of the bite, but it’s important to be prepared for this possibility.
Reporting a dog bite in Texas is a critical step to protecting your health and safety, as well as to holding dog owners accountable for their pets’ behavior. By following these steps and seeking the appropriate medical and legal assistance, you can ensure that justice is served and that you receive the care and compensation you need to recover from the incident.
As a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases, including dog bite cases, we at Willumsen Law Firm PC can help you with your dog bite case in Texas. Our experienced attorneys can investigate the circumstances of the bite, negotiate with insurance companies, represent you in court if necessary, and provide personalized legal advice based on the specific circumstances of your case.
We understand that being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience, and we are here to help you through the legal process. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses, and that justice is served. If you have been bitten by a dog in Texas, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation to discuss your case.