What Situations Causes Dogs to Bite?

Americans love their dogs and often treat them just like family. Dogs are the most popular pet in the country with more than 78 million living in homes across the country. While many dogs are friendly and lovable, some can bite. There are millions of reported dog bite incidents that take place annually and as a result, each year there are more than 800,000 people that will have to have their injuries treated by a medical professional.

If you were attacked by a dog, you have the right to pursue a Texas personal injury claim for the damages you suffered. Dog bites can be very serious. Not only are they painful, but they can lead to scarring, disfigurement, emotional trauma, and deadly infection. Pet owners have a responsibility to the public to ensure that their pets don’t pose a threat of harm. Dog owners who know that their pet is prone to biting must take the appropriate precautions to keep others safe from the animal. Even if a dog owner has a dog without a history of biting, they can still be held liable in the event their pet attacks someone. After a dog bite incident it is important to get medical treatment, then speak with Tara Gilmore-Low, an experienced Abilene dog bite attorney.

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Your city and the state of Texas have specific regulations that must be followed by pet owners. Violating these laws means that pet owners could be brought up on criminal charges or have a Texas civil lawsuit brought against them. Victims of a dog bite will benefit financially by working with a Texas personal injury attorney who can investigate the incident and build a solid claim where the most compensation possible is awarded.

Dogs, like any animal, can be unpredictable. Dogs who have never bitten anyone could still nip a family member or someone outside of the home. There are several reasons why dogs will respond to a situation by biting including:

• Dogs that feel threatened respond with a bite in a defensive manner.
• When a dog’s environment is distressing their response may be to become aggressive.
• Dogs may innocently nip while playing.
• Some dogs are territorial and want to defend their space as well as their people. When they feel like their domain is being violated or infringed, they may bite.
• Dogs can become very serious when they are eating, and getting between a dog and food could cause the dog to snap.
• When a dog is scared or startled the surge in the emotion they feel could make them bite.

Meet with an Abilene Personal Injury Attorney Today

Understanding what situations may make a dog more likely to bite can help you avoid potential harm. Children especially are at high risk for bites so it is critically important to never allow children to be in a room with a dog unattended. Also teaching children not to run up to dogs they don’t know and pull at them or try to pet them is also helpful for preventing injuries. Even when you are being as responsible as possible that won’t completely remove the possibility of a dog attack and if that happens, you need the help of the most effective Texas dog bite attorney in Abilene and surrounding areas. Call Low Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation at (325) 455-1889.