WERE YOU BIT BY A DOG?
Dog Bites & Attacks in Harris County & Throughout TEXAS
While most dogs are beloved members of the family, they can still be unpredictable. Unfortunately, dog bites and attacks are incredibly common, with about 4.7 million recorded dog bites in the United States. According to some studies, Texas is the third-leading state when it comes to dog bite claims, second only to California and Florida. Sadly, the majority of dog bites and attacks involve children.
At Payne Law Firm, we understand how frightening it is to be bitten or attacked by a dog, whether it was a trusted family, friend, or neighbor’s pet or a strange dog. We also recognize that filing a dog bite claim can be sensitive, particularly when the dog owner is someone you know. However, it is important to remember that you should not have to pay for your medical bills, make up for lost wages, and cope with the pain and suffering you are experiencing on your own.
Contact Payne Law Firm online or call us at 713-223-5100 to learn more during a free, no-obligation consultation. Hablamos español.
How a Dog Bite Injury Claim Works
When you file a dog bite claim, you typically seek compensation from the dog owner’s insurance provider; their insurance is there to protect victims in situations just like this. However, the insurance company is likely to dispute or undervalue your claim, and they may try to deny it altogether.
We strongly recommend that you reach out to our team at Payne Law Firm to learn how our Houston dog bite attorneys can help protect your rights. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, including many people who suffered catastrophic injuries and losses after being bitten or attacked by dogs.
Is Texas a Strict Liability State for Dog Bites?
While some states follow strict liability laws for dog bites, which allows victims to hold dog owners liable regardless of whether the dog was considered “dangerous” or had any past aggressive tendencies, Texas is not one of them. Instead, Texas follows what is known as a “one-bite” rule.
Under this rule, a dog owner can be held liable when they knew the dog had bitten someone in the past or had reason to believe the dog might act aggressively but failed to take appropriate measures to prevent injury. In other words, dog owners can be held liable when they are negligent.
To prove a dog bite case in Texas, you must generally prove the following elements:
- You were bitten by the dog
- The dog had bitten someone before or had acted aggressively in the past
- The dog owner knew about or should have known about the dog’s aggressive tendencies
- The dog owner failed to use reasonable care to control the dog or prevent the dog from biting
- The dog owner’s failure to use reasonable care was the cause of your injuries
- You did not provoke the dog
These same rules apply in cases involving non-bite injuries caused by dogs. You can hold a negligent dog owner accountable if you are attacked, knocked down, or otherwise injured by a dog, even if the dog does not actually bite you.
When Is a Dog Considered “Dangerous?”
In Texas, a dog is generally considered “dangerous” when it attacks a person entirely unprovoked in an area other than its normal enclosure (i.e., the yard where the dog is normally kept, the home in which the dog lives, etc.). A dog might also be considered “dangerous” if it acts aggressively to an extent that causes a person to believe the dog might attack and cause injury.
When a dog is considered “dangerous,” it may be seized and kept in quarantine until a hearing at which a judge determines whether the dog actually inflicted injury and/or is dangerous. At this point, the judge may order the dog be destroyed to prevent future attacks, however, this is not always the case. Sometimes, the judge may order the dog’s owner to take certain precautions to keep the dog contained and prevent future injury.
What to Do If You Are Bitten or Attacked by a Dog
If you or someone else is bitten or attacked by a dog, the first thing you should do is get to a place of safety and assess the injuries. If necessary, call 911.
You should also try to locate the dog’s owner and get their name and contact information. If possible, ask the owner for the dog’s vaccination records and the contact information for their veterinarian. Make sure you document the attack by writing down information about/taking pictures of your injuries, the dog, and the location of the bite.
If you do not receive emergency medical attention, be sure to wash the wound with warm water and mild soap to remove dirt, debris, and other items that can cause infection. For anything other than a very mild injury, you should immediately see a medical provider. Dog bites can lead to serious complications, such as sepsis, infection, and hemorrhaging. Without proper medical treatment, they can even be life-threatening.
After the bite or attack, make sure to keep all medical records and other documentation (such as an official report of the bite with the appropriate animal control service in your area). Attend any follow-up appointments with your doctor and follow your doctor’s treatment plan. You should also reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the attack.
Contact Our Firm Today
At Payne Law Firm, our Houston dog bite lawyers can help you take the next steps and work to hold the negligent dog owner accountable. You should not have to deal with the immense physical, emotional, and financial consequences of your injuries on your own. Our team can help you seek fair compensation for your damages so that you can get back on your feet and move forward with your life.
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You May Be Entitled to Compensation for Your Injuries
Even though it is called an “accident,” that does not mean that no one is to blame. While many car accident lawyers in Houston would prefer to reach a settlement, we at Payne Law Firm are ready to take these kinds of cases to trial when necessary. We will do whatever it takes to reach the best possible result.
Injuries from car accidents can quickly become catastrophic. From fractures to traumatic brain injuries, paralysis and even death, the consequences of a car accident can be devastating. It is important to hold all negligent parties accountable.
Some clients fear they don’t have a case because they may be partially responsible. Even if that is true, you still may be entitled to compensation. In hit-and-run cases, it can be more difficult to determine compensation. However, we will thoroughly examine your case. This involves reading through the police report, talking to necessary witnesses, and checking the evidence. We will always keep you up to date on our findings and discuss how we can move forward.
What Sets Us ApArt
Serious lawyers for serious accidents
client Focused
We will help you every step of the way, providing answers to your questions and continuing to update you on the status of your case.
A History of Success
We have helped over a thousand injured individuals and families get the compensation they deserved.
Battle-Tested
We not only understand the complexities of insurance companies but know how to fight them.
Full Transparency
Our team knows the importance of your case and is committed to doing what is best for you.
FAQs: Dog Bites
How much can you sue for a dog bite in Texas?
Settlement amounts vary significantly based on medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering you’ve experienced. The total compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your daily life.
Is it worth suing for a dog bite?
Yes, if you’ve sustained significant injuries and are experiencing pain and suffering, pursuing compensation is typically worthwhile to cover all related medical expenses and emotional trauma. The extent of injuries and related financial loss will ultimately determine whether taking legal action makes sense.
What kind of lawyer do I need if my dog bites someone?
If you were injured by a dog bite, you need a personal injury lawyer who specializes in dog bite cases and understands the specific legal requirements and defenses involved in these claims.
What proof is needed for a dog bite?
To prove a dog bite case in Texas, you must demonstrate that the dog bit you, had previous aggressive behavior the owner knew about, and that the owner failed to use reasonable care to control the dog. You must also prove you didn’t provoke the dog and that the owner’s negligence caused your injuries.