There’s no doubt that Texans love their dogs with at least half of Texas households owning a dog. Although dogs are known for providing companionship, these canine companions aren’t without risk. There are over 4.5 million dog bites reported each year in the country, and dog bites account for about one-third of all homeowner liability claims annually.
Preventing dog bites
It’s important for dog owners to be responsible and take proactive steps to prevent their dog from biting anyone. Dogs should always be actively supervised around children, no matter how well-behaved the dog may be. Many children end up in the emergency room with dog bites because a friendly dog felt threatened by a rambunctious child. Children and dogs are both unpredictable and need to be watched.
Dogs should be socialized so that they are accustomed to being around different types of people and less likely to behave erratically. A dog who is unused to people is more likely to feel threatened by them. If a dog is behaving oddly, it should be checked out by a veterinarian as it may have a health problem that needs to be assessed. Finally, all dogs should be trained. It’s important for a dog to learn to listen and obey to avoid the risk of harming someone.
Filing a claim after a dog bite
Unfortunately, not all dog owners are responsible people. If you were bitten by a dog that wasn’t properly supervised or secured, you may be able to file a claim against the owner. A lawyer who understands personal injury law may be able to help you with such a claim, which might cover your expenses, including medical bills and missed wages from work, as well as reimbursement for pain and suffering.
