Fort Worth Dog Bite Attorneys

One Bite Rule & Scienter Requirement in Texas

Many people in Texas are under the misconception that a dog owner is only liable to a dog attack victim if the dog has previously bitten someone.  This is a misrepresentation of what is sometimes referred to as the “Scienter” requirement or the “One Bite Rule.”  Dog owners may be subject to strict liability under Texas dog bite law if the owner has reason to know of the vicious tendencies of their dog.  This does not necessarily mean that a plaintiff needs to have been previously bitten or attacked by a dog.  For example, neighbors might indicate that the dog lunges and tries to attack people that approach the property or otherwise acts in an aggressive manner regardless of whether there has been a prior dog attack.

Dog attack liability based on the One Bite Rule means that an owner with knowledge of a dog’s aggressive tendencies can be liable regardless of the owner’s negligence.  In other words, a dog owner with knowledge of a dog’s vicious tendencies can be liable for dog bite injuries caused by the dog regardless of the owner’s fault.

Bites Caused by Negligence or Violation of Ordinance

Even if owners or keepers of a dog possess no knowledge of any vicious tendencies of the animal, they could still be liable for dog bites or other injuries resulting from negligence.  Negligence is the failure to take ordinary care to prevent injury to others, but it also might be based on a violation of the law.  Failure to comply with leash laws or running at large ordinances constitute the most common basis for liability associated with Fort Worth dog attacks.

How Our Fort Worth Law Firm Can Aid Dog Attack Victims

As an experienced Fort Worth dog bite attorneys, FH Law Group will investigate and determine whether a dog has a past pattern of aggressive tendencies.  Evidence might include the owner telling people that the dog bites, muzzling the dog, or restraining the dog from lunging or growling at people passing the premises.  Fort Worth dog attack cases are very fact specific, so it is important to work with a law firm with success in handling Tarrant County dog attacks.

Dog attacks can result in permanent disfigurement, broken bones, damaged muscles and nerves, internal organ damage, and even wrongful death.  Every year in the U.S., children suffer fatal injuries in vicious dog mauling incidents.  Our Fort Worth law firm is prepared to represent clients throughout Tarrant County who are mauled or bitten in dog attacks.  We carefully investigate our clients’ situations so that we can pursue the fullest compensation for their injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability and disfigurement, loss of services and companionship of a spouse, and other appropriate damages.

If you or a loved one is injured in a dog attack in Fort Worth or the surrounding areas of Tarrant County, FH Law Group tenaciously pursues the maximum recovery for injury victims in Fort Worth and the surrounding areas of Tarrant County.  Contact us today for a FREE consultation at (817) 697-4400 or visit our website.