Don’t Let A Dog Bite Ruin Your Life
Texas Dog Bite Attorney
Dogs can add joy to a family’s life, but ownership comes with responsibility. In Texas, dog owners owe a duty to people that are harmed by their dog and can be sued for monetary damages. If you’ve suffered injuries such as a dog bite to your hands, arms, legs, or face, you may have permanent physical injuries and disfiguring scars. That’s why it’s important to speak to a Texas dog bite lawyer after you’ve been bit to discuss bringing a claim.
Texas Dog Bite Laws
It’s not easy to prove a claim against a dog owner in Texas due to the “one bite rule” adopted by Texas courts. This means that you can collect from the owner of a dog that bit you only if you can prove the following:
- The owner was aware of the dog’s “vicious propensities” and aggressiveness because the dog had attacked somebody previously;
- The owner was negligent or reckless in controlling their dog;
- The negligence of the owner was the cause of the injuries.
It’s also important to show that your actions did not contribute to your injuries. For example, it’s necessary to prove that you did not pet the dog without permission or engage in any other type of behavior that might have caused the dog to bite you. Your Texas dog bite attorney will thoroughly investigate your case to try to find evidence that will help your case meet the Texas legal standard.
Proving A Dog Has Dangerous Propensities
Texas has outlawed bans on specific breeds of dogs, but does allow insurance companies to charge higher premiums to homeowners that have the following types of dogs:
- Pit bull type breeds;
- Boxers;
- Rottweilers;
- German Shepherds;
- Doberman Pinschers.
The easiest way to prove that a dog is dangerous is to check if a claim has been filed with the Texas Justice of the Peace. Once a dog has been so designated as dangerous, it is much easier to bring a case against an owner for a dog bite. These are some of types of evidence that can prove that a dog owner had prior knowledge of their dog’s vicious propensities:
- Text records from before and after the dog bite;
- Social media postings;
- Veterinarian records;
- Local newspapers and social media groups;
- Interviewing neighbors.
It will be extremely challenging to perform this investigation on your own, and getting text and social media records will usually require a subpoena. That’s why it’s so important to hire an experienced Texas dog bite attorney to handle your case. The Uvalle Law Firm, Lawboss.com is a well-respected dog bite attorney in Texas. Call 1-800-LAWBOSS to schedule a free in person or remote consultation.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause a variety of injuries that vary in severity. Some dog bites can cause permanent disfigurement and/or loss of use of a body part. These are some of the more common injuries sustained by dog bite victims:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Torn ligaments
- Eye injuries
- Head, neck, and back strains
- Rabies
- Emotional distress
The owner of a dog with vicious propensities is not just responsible for the damage directly caused by the dog. You can also claim damages for injuries you sustain while running away from the dog or being knocked down.
Documenting Your Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite cases, like all personal injury cases, require evidence to support the existence and severity of the injuries. That’s why it’s a good idea to go to the emergency room after a dog bites you to be thoroughly checked and tested for rabies. If you don’t want to go to the hospital the next best choice is a well equipped urgent care center in your community. Primary care doctors do not usually have the equipment or expertise to handle traumatic injuries from dog bites. It’s important to follow up with follow up visits recommended at your first exam and to keep appointments for any testing that’s suggested. Make sure to give your Texas dog bite lawyer the names of all the doctors and therapists that treat you so that they can obtain your reports as evidence for your case.
What Type Of Compensation Is Available For Texas Dog Bite Cases?
Texas law allows victims of dog bites to sue for monetary damages for the injuries they sustained. These are some of the types of damages that can be collected:
- Current and Future Medical Costs
- Lost Earnings
- Lost Future Earning Capacity
- Pain and Suffering
- Mental Anguish
Reimbursement for the cost of care and for lost earnings is limited to the actual amount of money at hand, but awards for pain, suffering, and mental anguish are subjective. This means that if a jury is sympathetic to how much the dog bite has caused you to suffer, they can award very large amounts of money. This is especially true if the dog bite has caused a prominent disfiguring scar or if your dog bite injury has caused you to suffer long term or permanent disability.
How To Prevent Dog Bites?
Close to five million people a year are bitten by dogs in the United States, with Insurance companies paying out more than one billion dollars a year on dog bite cases. Most of the attacks were from male dogs that were not neutered. These are some tips for avoiding dog bites:
- Don’t run away from a dog;
- Don’t scream if you feel threatened by a dog;
- Try to remain still or back away SLOWLY;
- Don’t approach strange dogs;
- Don’t let strangers pet your dog;
- Use an object such as a backpack to protect yourself from a dog.
Texas Dog Bite Attorney
The first step is a consultation with a Texas dog bite attorney to discuss the facts of your case and the available evidence. Once you’ve retained your lawyer, an investigation will begin to gather additional documentary evidence and interview witnesses. During this time you will continue to get whatever treatment you require for your injuries. Once you’ve completed your treatment, your attorney will try to settle your case. If the offer to settle is not acceptable, your case will proceed towards trial. Most dog bite cases are settled before a jury brings back a verdict. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, call 1-800-LAWBOSS to make an appointment for a free in person or virtual consultation.
Never take on a dog owner alone. The Uvalle Law Firm, Lawboss.com is here to help.
A bite from man’s best friend can have painful or even fatal consequences. This should be taken very seriously. If you have been bitten by a dog, then you know the experience can be a lot scarier and more dangerous than most people think. A serious dog bite should never be taken lightly, as they can result in permanent muscle damage and deep tissue scaring.
If you are wondering how to get justice for a dog attack, call 1-800-LAWBOSS and find out how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites
Texas dog bite laws require proof of key facts. An attorney can help you navigate through these legal requirements.
Just because you have been bitten by a dog does not mean you are entitled to anything for your injuries. When it comes to dog bites, each state specifies it’s own laws and specification regarding the dog owner’s liability. To learn more about dog bite laws in your area, call 1-800-LAWBOSS today.
An experienced lawyer will help you prove your claim by investigating the incident.
Because dog bite laws can vary by state, and in some cases do not seem straightforward, it is important to work with a lawyer who is familiar with personal injury laws for your state. An attorney will help you navigate through the steps required for your dog bite claim including investigating the incident, the dog, and the parties involved as needed. This can potentially increase your chances of receiving your settlement.
A high percentage of incidents of people attacked by dogs go unreported. A personal injury attorney will help you file a claim and get the settlement you deserve for the injury you sustained.
Dog attacks often go unreported, yet dog bite injuries are astonishingly common and should be taken seriously.
Children are the most common victims of dog bites
Nearly 75% of animal attacks go unreported
Approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year
Of those people, as many as 1 million require medical treatment and more than 300,000 end up in the emergency room
It is estimated that 12-15 people die every year due to complications from their dog bite wounds
About 60% of dog bite injuries happen in the home, either by a family or friend’s dog
While injuries can vary, these can be sustained by dogs of any size.
Dogs of any size can inflict serious injuries on both children and adults. Generally speaking, the most common dog bite injuries include:
Lacerations and puncture wounds that may result in scarring
Nerve damage, which is often permanent
Infections as a result of wounds
Dog bite victim is entitled to fair compensation for their injuries and damages.
Dog attacks not only cause serious injuries but can also be a traumatic experience that inflicts emotional pain. If you were hurt by a dog, you might be able to recover damages such as:
Medical expenses
Lost wages and earning potential
Pain and suffering
Punitive damages
Lawyers for dog bite cases charge a fee if the settlement is won.
Many people are hesitant to hire a lawyer because they don’t want to be stuck with legal fees that they can’t afford. Fortunately, nearly all dog bite lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. In other words, your lawyer will take a percentage of any settlement or money awarded to you. If you get a settlement or award, then you pay no fee.