The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that approximately 4.5 million Americans suffer from dog bite injuries each year. One in five of these injuries require medical attention.
Because of the high number of fatalities resulting from dog bites, Texas has responded by revising its laws. The revisions eliminate the “one free bite” provision and are designed to help future victims of dog bites and animal attacks.
The new law is nicknamed “Lillian’s Law” in memory of Lillian Stiles. Lillian is a 76-year-old woman that was killed by her neighbor’s six dogs while riding her lawn mower. Under Lillian’s Law, a person may be held criminally responsible if they:
- With criminal negligence fail to secure the dog and the dog makes an unprovoked attack on another person not on the owner’s property, causing serious bodily injury or death to the victim
- Know the dog is a “dangerous dog” and the dog makes an unprovoked attack that causes serious bodily harm or death to another person and occurs somewhere other than an enclosure in which the dog is kept
States enacting tougher legislation to protect the public from animal attacks is definitely a step in the right direction. These laws should hopefully improve safety as well as hold dog owners accountable for the actions of their pet.
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite or other animal attack in the Denver, Colorado area, please contact the attorneys at Burg, Simpson, Eldredge, Hersh & Jardine today to schedule your free initial consultation.
