Houston Dog Bite Lawyer

Houston Dog Bite Lawyer

Our Attorneys Know How to Win in a Texas Lawsuit

Texas does not have a civil statute that specifically lays out a dog owner’s civil liability for bites and other injuries caused by dogs. However, the courts follow the ruling of a case called Marshall v. Ranne, which means that Texas is a negligence or “one bite rule” state for purposes of personal injury cases stemming from dog bites. If the owner has knowledge that a dog is dangerous, they can be held strictly liable.

For a successful Texas dog bite claim, our attorneys must show that:

• the dog’s owner knew that the dog had acted aggressively or had bitten someone in the past, or the dog’s owner negligently failed to use reasonable care to control the dog or prevent the bite
• this failure led to a dog bite
• the dog bite caused your injuries
• you suffered damages as a result.

Our Houston dog bite lawyers know what to look for to build a strong case for you, such as:

• witness accounts of the attack
• records of aggressive behavior in the dog
• lack of proper fencing or restraints for the dog
• documentation of ownership.

In some cases, a dog’s owner could face criminal charges as well as civil liability. According to Texas Health and Safety Code Section 822.005, a dog’s owner may be charged with a felony if:

• the owner “with criminal negligence” fails to secure the dog and the dog attacks someone, unprovoked, at a location away from the owner’s property, or
• the owner knows the animal is a “dangerous dog,” and the dog attacks, unprovoked, at a location other than a secure enclosure in which the dog is restrained, and
• The attack causes serious bodily injury or death.

Our dog bite attorneys will seek compensation in a civil case, whether or not a criminal charge is made. Whether you or your child was bitten, don’t wait to get the help you need—contact our experienced attorneys. We know that dog bites can be traumatic, and we’ll do everything we can to help you.

Damage Awards in a Dog Bite Lawsuit

Dog attacks can leave victims with multiple damages, and our dog bite attorneys will seek compensation for all of them. In a successful dog bite lawsuit, we may win an award for compensation that covers both your economic damages for your monetary costs and losses and your noneconomic damages, which do not have a specific dollar value but negatively affect your life. Damage awards should cover your:

Medical and rehabilitation bills – When a dog bites and causes injury, getting medical assistance is important: canine attacks can lead to particularly nasty infections and, depending on the severity of the wounds, treatment can become extremely expensive, especially if any reconstructive surgery is required. Canine attacks can be particularly vicious, resulting in disfigurement, puncture wounds, broken bones, and any number of other injuries, and the expenses for treatment can add up fast.

Wage losses and loss of future income – Hands, arms, legs, and the face are frequent targets when a dog bites. Workers may be out of work for extended periods of time, and sometimes permanently. A canine attack can mean that not only is an individual in a hospital bed accruing medical bills, but also during a time that the victim has no income.

Physical and emotional pain and suffering – Victims experience non-monetary damages from canine attacks as well. Physical pain and suffering involved with severe attacks may result in a court’s awarding additional monetary sums for the victim. Canine attacks can also be extremely traumatic, especially for children. In many cases, victims of canine attacks may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In circumstances such as these, courts may award victims additional sums for their continued emotional suffering.

Funeral costs, in case of death. Texas law does not put a cap on how much a victim may receive in economic damages. In some rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the injury was caused by actions that were wantonly reckless and negligent.

In every situation, our dog bite attorneys at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law will fight for the full compensation you deserve. Call today at (713) 973-8888 to get started.

Houston Dog Bite Lawyer Answers Your Questions

After a dog attack, you are bound to have questions and concerns. While these are best addressed at your free consultation, here are some answers to questions our attorneys are often asked to get you started.

How much will my damage award be?

There are a wide range of damage amounts that may be awarded in a successful dog bite case, depending on the circumstance of the case.  Factors that will be considered in determining amounts include:

• The severity, extent, and permanence of your injuries and whether you will need continuing care
• Actual costs of your losses and expenses
• Lost earnings and whether you will be able to work in the future
• Your age, earning potential, and family situation
• Whether death was involved
• Availability of insurance coverage and assets of the defendants
• The skill and negotiating power of your attorney.

In general, more severe injuries that involve permanent damage and require long-term care or death often result in a higher settlement.

What if a friend’s dog caused the bite?

Even if the dog was owned by a friend, victims of dog bites should report these incidents to the local animal control agency. Reporting helps protect others from being attacked by the same animal, as the owner is more likely to take extra precautions once the authorities are aware of the dog’s dangerous behavior. Reporting provides vital legal documentation which helps if you need to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the owner and will help you obtain records of the dog’s history, and vaccination information. The report triggers an investigation into the incident to determine whether the dog is categorized as dangerous and helps protect dogs that are being abused or neglected, so filing a dog bite report may be in the animal’s best interests as well.

Are there time limits for filing?

Yes, Texas has statutes of limitations, which are deadlines for filing cases, after which the courts are unlikely to hear your case. According to the law (CPRC Chapter 16, section 16003), for personal injury, claims must generally be filed within 2 years after a dog bite attack. For wrongful death, claims must be filed within 2 years after death.(*Always speak directly to an attorney for the exact deadline(s) that apply to your potential claim(s).)

How much does it cost to hire a Houston dog bite lawyer?

The good news is that it costs nothing up front to hire our lawyers at Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law for your dog bite case.  We offer free consultations for a case evaluation; we cover the expenses invested in order to build your case; and there are no fees to you unless and until we win a settlement for you.

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we are available to answer your questions as they arise and will be there to do so throughout the entire legal process.

Call Our Houston Dog Bite Attorney for Help

Dog bite victims should not suffer in silence, nor should they pick up the tab for someone else’s negligence. If a canine attack happens, don’t wait—a victim who waits too long may have no case at all. By contacting a lawyer for a case evaluation soon after a canine attack, a victim can expect to have every legal option at his or her disposal.

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we understand the horrors of the aftermath of dog bites. If you or your child suffered an unprovoked dog bite, our Houston dog bite lawyers will fight to help you get compensation. We know this can be a difficult time for your entire family, and we want to help.

To schedule your free initial consultation, give us a call today at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000.