Liability for Abnormally Dangerous Domesticated Animals

In Texas, a person can find themselves liable for the actions of an animal considered to be “abnormally dangerous”. An animal will be considered “abnormally dangerous” if its dangerous propensities that are abnormal to its class. That means that if the animals breed is typically known for being calm and sweet, yet the animal in question had bitten or nipped at a person in the past, it could be considered to have “dangerous propensities abnormal its class”. A domesticated animal is any animal (i.e. dog, cat, pig, horse, etc.) that is by custom devoted to the service of mankind at the time and place it is kept.

To prove a cause of action for injury by a dangerous domesticated animal, the plaintiff must show that:

1. The defendant owned or possessed the animal;

2. The animal had dangerous propensities abnormal to its class;

3. The defendant knew or had reason to know that the animal had dangerous propensities; and

4. The animal’s dangerous propensities were a producing cause of the plaintiff’s injury.

If a Plaintiff can successfully make a showing of these elements, the Defendant can be held strictly liable for the actions of the animal, including medical bills and treatments and the attending mental anguish and pain and suffering that goes along with being bitten or attacked by a domesticated animal.

IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAS BEEN INJURED BY A DOG OR OTHER DOMESTICATED ANIMAL, CALL GUEST & GRAY, P.C. TODAY!

You only get one chance at recovering a settlement as a result of your injuries. Too often I get calls from injured victims in the Kaufman and Rockwall county areas who went and hired one of those “TV attorneys”. Don’t waste your time calling those guys, call the local, trusted law firm who calls Rockwall and Kaufman Counties home. We have offices in Rockwall and Forney to meet the needs of our clients, and we make house calls for our severely injured clients. Just call today and set up a time to speak with a licensed personal injury attorney. It’s free, so don’t wait! CALL NOW! (972) 564-4644