by Dallas Personal Injury Lawyer, Tim O’Hare
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Dak Prescott is in the news and this time, not for his talent on the football field. A Frisco, Texas resident is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries received after the resident was bitten by a dog allegedly belonging to the NFL star.
On Monday, Feb. 25, Frisco Police Officers and Animal Services Officers responded to a call from a Frisco resident who saw a loose dog in their front yard fighting with their own dog through a fence. The resident exited the home and found two loose dogs. One of those dogs bit the resident, who was transported to a local hospital by Frisco Fire Department Paramedics.
Both dogs were located and captured and it was discovered the two dogs were owned by Cowboys’ QB, Dak Prescott, who was not home at the time. The dogs allegedly escaped Prescott’s residence through an unsecure door.
The dog responsible for the bite was transported to the Collin County Animal Shelter, where it remains in quarantine for a total of 10 days. The other dog was returned to Prescott’s home.
Will Prescott be held responsible for the injury caused by his dog?
In some states, an owner of a dog who bites a person could face criminal charges. Texas does not have an existing dog bite statute, but adheres to the “one bite rule,” meaning a dog bite victim can sue for compensation from the dog’s owner, harborer or keeper only if the dog previously bit a person or acted as if it wanted to, or if the defendant was aware of the dog’s previous conduct. There are some exceptions to this rule.
Some cities require the dogs to be put down, while others require extensive security features, such as locked gates, locked fences and dog enclosures. Prescott can be ticketed under the Dog at Large offense, which is a class C misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of up to $500.
Each day in the U.S., an estimated 1,000 people require emergency care as the result of a dog bite injury. Dog bites can cause serious bodily injury, including scarring, serious infections, hospitalization and in some cases, even death. Like other personal injury cases, dog bites may be the result of negligence on the part of the owner and the victim may be due compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering. Unfortunately, pet owners who lose their pet as the result of a dog attack are only permitted to recover vet expenses and replacement cost of the lost dog.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, contact a Dallas personal injury attorney who has the knowledge and understanding of Texas dog bite laws to ensure you receive all due compensation for your pain and suffering.
It may be common sense, but here are a few guidelines you should follow — and teach your children — to avoid being the victim of a vicious dog bite attack.
- Never treat a dog unkindly.
- Don’t bother a dog who is busy (eating, drinking, etc.)
- Never approach a dog you don’t know.
- Remain calm around dogs.
- If a stray dog approaches you, stay calm and quiet.
If you have been the victim of a dog bite, don’t fight the legal battle alone. Contact a Texas SuperLawyer, personal injury lawyer Tim O’Hare in Dallas or Carrollton at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare. We will fight hard for you to make sure you receive the financial recovery you deserve.
Call The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare for your FREE Case Evaluation
972-960-0000 or Toll-Free 888-960-0020
