Is a Dog Bite Injury Considered Catastrophic?

 Posted on May 10, 2024 in Dog Bites

Dog bites often occur unexpectedly, and victims of a dog bite injury may find themselves dealing with life-long consequences. When a dog bite causes injuries that are long-lasting or permanently affect how victims live their lives, the bite may be considered catastrophic.

If you have experienced a catastrophic dog bite, you may be able to pursue a claim against the dog owner or other responsible party in order to receive compensation that helps with your recovery. A knowledgeable Texas dog bite injury attorney can help you explore your options.

Catastrophic Effects of a Dog Bite Injury

All dog bites can have serious consequences, though some dog bites are incredibly serious and can result in injuries with a lasting impact. In the case of a such a catastrophic injury, wrongful death may also occur.

The effects of a catastrophic dog bite injury include:

• Deep bruising

• Broken bones

• Lacerations and excessive bleeding

• Illnesses and infection from the bite

• Amputations

• Nerve damage

• Permanent disability or disfigurement

• Mental and emotional trauma

Total recovery from a dog bite injury may not be possible, and victims may find themselves with permanent disabilities, disfigurement, or other emotional and mental traumas that impact their ability to work, enjoy life, and support their families.

Can I Pursue a Claim After a Dog Bite?

It may be possible to pursue a claim after a dog bite injury, as Texas law states that owners are responsible for their dogs’ behavior, especially if an attack occurs while you are lawfully on the owner’s property. If an owner knows that his or her dog is aggressive or the dog has bitten before, he or she is automatically liable for any injuries that occur.

Criminal charges may also be applied to owners if their dog’s attack results in serious bodily injury or death to the victim.

If you wish to pursue a claim after a dog bite, gather medical documentation, photos and videos, and items like witness statements. You can take these to a lawyer experienced with dog bites and premises liability to start the process of recovering compensation for your injuries.

Contact a Dallas County, TX Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Experiencing a dog bite in Texas is traumatic, and when your injuries are catastrophic or have the potential to greatly impact your life, you need a skilled Dallas, TX dog bite injury attorney on your side.

Attorney Jerry D. Andrews is board-certified in the area of personal injury trials by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and he will advocate for your rights after a dog bite attack and injury has occurred.

Contact Jerry D. Andrews, P.C. at 214-221-5800 for a free consultation.