A normal day suddenly and violently violated by an animal attack can have life-long effects on the body and mind. While the term “dogs are man’s best friend” is well known, the injuries sustained from a dog bite can be catastrophic when the dog owner is negligent in controlling his or her dog. Houston dog bite lawyer is someone that you need if you or a loved one has been attacked in Houston, Cypress, TX or Corpus Christi.
The personal injury attorneys at Jones & Koch Law Firm are committed to holding the careless owners of pets accountable. From high medical costs to severe psychological trauma resulting from a dog bite incident, there are many aspects of your case that a dog bite lawyer will be able to help you through. The key to securing the justice and compensation that you deserve for your dog bite is finding the right dog bite lawyer. Our firm provides complimentary case consultation to discuss the facts of your case and outline your legal path.
The Devastating Impact of a Dog Attack in Houston, Texas
The rate of dog attacks continues to increase annually in Houston Texas, and in Harris County. Animal attacks are a devastating event which can occur in a split second and have a lasting impact. A dog bite victim is likely to be a victim of severe bite injuries that will need instant medical attention along with a lot of medical treatment. The most common types of dog bite injuries involve deep lacerations, puncture wounds, severe nerve damage and severe infections. Sometimes victims may also sustain a traumatic brain injury when they are violently thrown to the ground by the attack. If you’re a young bite victim or an elderly dog bite victim, the repercussions can be devastating.
Bite victims often do not realize the long-term consequences of their bite injuries. The injuries dog bite victims suffer go far beyond the physical scars; the emotional and psychological trauma can lead to severe PTSD, anxiety, and a lifelong fear of animals. The most important thing to do is to seek medical attention immediately in order to clean and record your injuries. You should never have to shoulder the overwhelming financial burden caused by an irresponsible animal owner. A dedicated injury lawyer will fight to ensure you are fully compensated for all your suffering. Even well-meaning dogs wanting to assist an injured animal can trigger an attack if the animal is frightened, and owners remain liable for securing their animals.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Texas: The “One Bite Rule”
It’s quite complicated to navigate dog bite laws in Texas because Texas has what is called the “one bite rule” in dog bite law. As per this bite rule, it is not always the dog owner’s fault the first time their dog bites another person, unless the victim can clearly establish that the owner knew the dog was aggressive. But the one bite rule does not mean an attack dog will get one ‘free bite’ with no repercussions. If you can prove that the owner knew the dog had a history of being aggressive towards others – for example, the dog had previous growling, snapping or lunging at strangers – you may have a very valid dog bite case.
Documentation of an owner’s knowledge of his dog’s dangerous tendencies is a key aspect of the legal proceedings. A dangerous dog is a dog or dogs that are known to pose a threat to the community. Local animal control offices maintain tight records, and monitor complaints of aggressive behavior, throughout the United States. A standard dog breed can be considered as dangerous. If there are previous complaints or reports against the dog with animal control, this should clearly show that the owner knew about the liability dog that he/she had. In addition, the Texas dog laws also give rise to injury claims that are highly based on the concept of negligence, such as if the dog owner, specifically, breaches a local leash law or permits the dog to be free and unsecured on the dog owner’s property.
Establishing Liability: How to Hold the Dog Owner Accountable
To handle a successful and effective dog bite case, it is important for the legal team to be extremely diligent and thorough in investigating the case. A Houston dog bite attorney will thoroughly review the question of whether or not the owner failed to fulfill the obligation to the public to exercise reasonable care. Was the dog securely behind a fence? Did the owner breach the normal duty of care of a premises owner? Bite cases usually require considerable research into obtaining key witness statements, obtaining animal control records and detailed medical reports. While each bite case is different, our bite lawyers are experts at proving liability. If the owner’s carelessness directly caused your injuries, our dog bite attorneys will aggressively seek maximum compensation for you.
Without a lawyer, there is a high risk in handling dog bite claims. The case of a dog bite is a complex one, and it is practically always a bad idea to go to battle with an insurance company. Insurance companies are notorious for making it their business to downplay dog bite claims and try to pass the buck. Avoid accepting any quick settlement without first getting a free consultation from a well informed dog bite attorney in Houston.
What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury
Right after the attack is hectic but the following actions are crucial to your health and your case. The first step is to attend to your physical health at the first opportunity, and get medical help. Any kind of puncture wound, no matter how insignificant it may seem, has a tremendous potential for significant bacterial infection.
Once you are treated, it’s essential that you have a thorough report of your injuries. Photographs of the bite wound and the attack site are helpful. If possible, obtain the owner’s and/or witness’ contact details if they witnessed the attack on the animal. Then contact animal control for the area to report the incident so that there is a public health record. Finally, before you speak to any insurance companies, contact an experienced Houston dog bite attorney to protect your legal rights and ensure your dog bite claims are filed correctly.
Damages You Can Recover in a Dog Bite Case
Victims of severe animal attacks are legally entitled to recover various economic damages to cover their tangible financial losses. Your compensation in a dog bite case should cover all past and future medical expenses, including emergency room visits, reconstructive plastic surgery, and necessary physical therapy. You can also recover your lost wages if your injuries force you to miss significant time from work.
Additionally, you are strictly entitled to non-economic damages for the immense pain suffering and emotional distress you have endured. Our injury lawyers deeply understand how to accurately calculate the full, comprehensive value of your case. A Houston dog bite lawyer will ensure that every single aspect of your injuries is thoroughly accounted for before formally demanding a settlement. We are deeply committed to maximizing your financial recovery.
Why You Need a Skilled Houston Dog Bite Attorney
Finding the right injury lawyer is the most important step to take in your case. The experienced and dedicated team at Jones & Koch Law Firm has a proven and established history of outstanding case results. A Houston personal injury lawyer from our firm will work hard to cover all your legal expenses while you concentrate on getting better. If you are actively searching for a lawyer Houston residents trust implicitly, look no further than our firm.
Our bite attorneys proudly work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay a single penny out-of-pocket, and we don’t charge you a penny unless we win your case. Our Houston legal team offers a full, free consultation where we can discuss your legal options when you reach out to us. Free consultations are available at our convenient suite offices in Houston or you can call us directly. A Houston personal injury attorney will meet with you and go over all aspects of your case in detail.
We are very proud of our advocacy for animal attack victims, but our firm works for plaintiffs in a wide range of practice areas. We aggressively handle complex car accident, catastrophic truck accident / accidents truck collisions and premises liability (slip and fall) claims in addition to dog bite cases. In addition, we represent families in wrongful death lawsuits and are dedicated to representing the weak and helpless in medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and group home abuse injury claims. Whether your injury law case involves a dog bite, or any other type of injury case, our personal injury and injury lawyers in Houston are always there to guide you through the justice system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of lawyer do I need for a dog bite?
It is important to find a dedicated personal injury attorney who specializes in dog bite cases. The laws of dog bite are very unique and complicated, such as the one bite rule and the premises liability. A lawyer who is well versed in animal attacks will be able to find out the background of the dog and completely blame the negligent owner.
Do I need a lawyer for a dog bite?
While incredibly minor scratches might not require legal intervention, if you suffered significant injuries that required formal medical treatment, you absolutely need a lawyer. Insurance companies will try to minimize your claim or deny liability entirely. A lawyer ensures your rights are completely protected.
Lawyer for dog bite near me?
If you are located in Houston, Cypress, TX, or Corpus Christi, Jones & Koch Law Firm is your trusted local choice. We deeply understand the local courts, the specific animal control procedures in Harris County, and exactly how to effectively litigate in your specific area.
Dog bite attorney near me?
Yes, our highly dedicated attorneys are available to assist you today. During your consultation Houston dog bite victims will receive personalized, local legal advice tailored specifically to the unique details of their attack.
What are the dog bite laws in Texas?
Texas dog bite laws generally follow the “one bite rule,” meaning you must prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had aggressive tendencies prior to the attack. However, you can also seamlessly recover compensation by proving the owner was fundamentally negligent, such as failing to leash the dog in accordance with local municipal ordinances.
Dog bite defense lawyer near you?
While some people actively search for a dog bite defense lawyer when their own dog has bitten someone, our law firm strictly represents the innocent victims of animal attacks. For a consultation, Houston dog owners seeking legal defense will need to look elsewhere, as our sole focus is entirely on helping the injured recover the financial compensation they desperately need and deserve.