Whether you live in Texas or are visiting, there are certain things to keep in mind if you get bitten by a dog. First, you should report the bite to animal control as soon as possible. Second, you should treat the injury and seek legal advice.
Reporting the bite to animal control
Whether you’re an owner or not, you need to know how to report dog bites in Texas. The best way to ensure you’re doing the right thing is to contact your local animal control authorities. They will make sure that your pet is quarantined if necessary.
A dog bite is considered an attack and can be dangerous if left untreated. In addition to the injury, the animal may carry germs that make you sick. For this reason, you should immediately clean and disinfect the wound.
The animal in question should be quarantined at a Texas Department of Health-approved facility. The city of Dallas has a downloadable form that you can use to report the incident.
Treating the injury
Whether you are a victim of a dog bite or an owner of a dog that bites a victim, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Dog bites can lead to infection, broken bones, and even disfigurement.
The first step after an attack is to clean the wound. This will remove dirt, germs, and other irritants. You should also change bandages on the wound as often as necessary. Non-sterile bandages can contaminate the wound and allow bacteria into it, causing infection.
When treating a dog bites in Texas, the doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. A tetanus shot may also be required if the victim has not had a tetanus shot in the last five years.
If the bite is serious, you may require surgery. In addition, you may need to receive therapy for emotional support.
Dog Bites Texas- Filing a lawsuit:
Whether you were bitten by a dog or you, have a dog who has bitten you, filing a lawsuit can be a daunting task. There are many moving parts, so it’s a good idea to hire an attorney to guide you through the process.
There are many different statutes that may apply to your case. For instance, your state may have a statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit. In general, the law will require you to file your claim within two years of the dog bite or incident. Failure to file within this timeframe can prevent you from recovering from your injuries.
Often, the first person you may sue in a dog bite lawsuit is the owner of the dog. If you have been bitten by an animal, you may be able to hold the owner liable for the cost of your medical bills, emotional distress, and/or disfigurement.
