When to Press Charges After a Dog Bite in Texas
Dog bites can lead to severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected financial burdens. If you’ve been bitten by a dog because of their owner’s negligence, improper training, bad breeding, or lack of socialization, you may be eligible for serious compensation. We’ve seen many different types of dog bite cases in our more than 17 years in business fighting for victims of dog attacks in Texas. So, we understand how painful and terrifying it can be. Whether it’s a small bite or a serious injury, dog attacks are traumatic, and you should consider talking to an Austin Dog Bite lawyer immediately.
As Austin’s experienced dog-bite attorneys, the Law Office of Eric Harron is here to help victims navigate the complex legal process and secure the compensation they deserve.
What should I do after a Dog Bite in Texas?
If you have been bitten by a dog in Texas, you should quickly report it to the local animal control or the police. That does not mean you are pressing criminal charges, but you are creating a record of the incident. If you later file a dog bite lawsuit or pursue an insurance settlement, this record will be important. You must also gather information from the dog’s owner and any eyewitnesses and then file your report.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident in Texas
Taking the right steps after a dog bite can strengthen your case and ensure your well-being.
Immediate Medical Attention and Documentation
Seek medical treatment immediately, even if the wound seems minor. Document your injuries through photographs and retain all medical records.
Reporting the Incident to Authorities
File a report with local animal control or law enforcement. This will create an official record of the attack and help identify dangerous animals.
Who Do I Call If I Get Bitten by a Dog in Texas?
We know the panic mode gets activated the moment a dog bites you. However, it is an intelligent move to maintain your calm and know whom to call next.
There are several types of calls you should make after a dog bite in Texas:
- Medical: If the bite is severe, you might need to call 9-1-1. Regardless of severity, you should always get a medical examination. There is always a risk that the injury could become infected or lead to other complications.
- Law Enforcement: Call animal control or the local police. They need to have information about dangers in their area. Also, the community deserves this information as it can make others safer.
- Legal: Dog bite lawsuits can be complex, and each case is different from the other. The dog owner and the dog owner’s insurance company may not want to compensate you as you deserve. Call a dog bite lawyer in Texas as soon as possible for help.
Note: Do not call the dog owner’s insurance company or give them any information if they call you. Make them deal with your dog bite attorney. If you try to talk to them yourself, you might unknowingly give away certain information that they could use to justify paying you less compensation.
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Dog Bite in Texas??
It is risky to pursue a dog bite case alone, so getting a dog bite lawyer is a good idea. Your medical expenses might cost thousands of dollars, and the bite could lead to unforeseen complications. You should have an advocate working to get you the funds you need.
Plus, the dog owner’s insurance company might not offer you a settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries. However, if you get experienced and aggressive legal representation like the Law Office of Eric Harron, you should be treated fairly.
Besides your doctor, your attorney might be the only other person who is interested in doing what is best for you based on the Texas Dog Bite Laws. Your personal injury attorney will diagnose the legal situation from a liability and damages perspective and offer the best options going forward.
What are Texas Dog Bite Laws If I Get Bitten by a Dog?
After you have received medical treatment, there are a few steps you can go through to start the legal process for a dog bite in Texas:
- Gather Information: Get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner. If possible, gather contact information of witnesses who observed the dog attack or prior attacks by the same animal.
- Take Pictures: Photograph your injuries. You may want to ask your physician or nurse the safest way and time to take photos during your recovery. You can also take pictures of the place you were attacked and of any damage that was caused to your clothes.
- File a Report: Contact local authorities to report the bite and give them all the information you have.
- Keep a Journal: Organize your information in a journal. Keep adding your thoughts and expenses and any developments to it for several weeks after the attack. Then, continue writing in it about once a week until your case is concluded.
- Hire a Lawyer: You can get legal help at any stage of this process. Your dog bite lawyer can advise you and assist you with gathering information, filing claims, and negotiating with insurance companies.
Can I Sue for Getting Bitten by a Dog in Texas?
Yes, you can sue for dog bites in Texas. Contact an attorney experienced with dog bite lawsuits in Texas and your county. Keep in mind that even neighboring states can treat dog bites differently with different statutes.
The dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy will typically cover dog bite claims. Your attorney might spend most of their time negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance company, securing your compensation. However, if an appropriate settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can bring your claim to trial and have a jury award appropriate damages.
Texas law requires proof that the owner knew, or should have known, of the dog’s vicious nature prior to the bite in order to recover damages. This does not necessarily mean that the dog has actually bitten someone in the past. It just means that the dog had to have displayed a vicious propensity in the past. This means that the owner may be free of liability if they can establish that this was the first time the dog had shown any violent or vicious behavior.
However, dog bites can be serious and damaging to our bodies and peace of mind. That’s why we will pursue any legal avenue to hold the dog owner accountable and restore what you have lost.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Texas
Texas’ dog bite laws can be intricate, combining elements of strict liability and negligence. Knowing the legal landscape is crucial for pursuing a successful dog bite claim in Texas.
Strict Liability vs. Negligence in Dog Bite Cases in Texas
Texas follows the “one bite rule,” meaning a dog owner may be held strictly liable if they knew their dog had previously displayed aggressive behavior. Alternatively, a negligence claim requires proving the owner’s failure to take reasonable precautions led to the attack.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Texas
Victims have two years from the date of the incident to file a dog bite claim in Texas. Missing this deadline could forfeit your right to compensation.
How Do I Know If a Dog Bite Is Serious?
After a bite, you should get immediate medical help. If possible, you should obtain the dog’s vaccination history from the dog’s owner or animal control. Your physician and hospital can tell you the following:
- How much damage the dog caused
- How long it will take you to recover
- How much it will cost you
Having this information will tell you generally how financially serious the dog bite was. The dog’s vaccination history can tell you if you may have been exposed to rabies and require costly rabies shots. But, these numbers alone in a vacuum don’t tell the whole story of severity.
Mental effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder can go on for years. Scars from an attack can last a lifetime. How much is it worth if someone has taken away the love of dogs from a child forever? This is where we come in and help with focused assistance in dog bite claims.
Common Injuries Resulting from Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause more than just physical wounds. They often leave lasting impacts on victims.
Physical Injuries: Lacerations, Fractures, and Scarring
Common injuries include deep puncture wounds, broken bones, and permanent scarring. Some victims may require reconstructive surgery or ongoing medical care.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Being attacked by a dog can lead to anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), affecting daily life and relationships.
What Happens When a Dog Bite Gets Reported in Texas?
Some dog bite victims are afraid of reporting a bite because they think that a dog is going to be put down. However, very few reports lead to that result. Instead, a dog bite report can lead to:
- Stricter rules on how that particular dog must be controlled
- A settlement from an insurance company
- Responsibility being placed on the owner
In short, just report any dog bite incident. Even if a dog demonstrates unusually menacing behavior toward you or others, it is better to report it. The authorities and your community deserve to have a record of possible or real dangers from dogs.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Dog Bite Case?
The average settlement for all dog bite cases in the US in 2023 was around $59000. However, every case is unique. You might be awarded a very different amount depending on your unique circumstances.
Funds recovered in dog bite lawsuits often come from insurance companies to cover the costs of medical bills and other needs such as:
- Lost earnings
- Plastic surgery for disfigurement
- Loss of ability to perform everyday tasks
- Psychological counseling for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, flashbacks, nightmares, and depression
We will calculate your financial needs and determine how much money we may be able to obtain for you. The total will not be based on the national average but on the facts of your case.
Pursuing Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Victims of dog bites may be entitled to various forms of compensation.
Medical Expenses and Rehabilitation Costs
Compensation can cover emergency care, surgeries, medication, and physical therapy.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim lost wages and potential future earnings.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Non-economic damages account for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack.
What Happens If My Dog Bites Someone in Texas?
Call your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company. They will advise you and likely provide you with a dog bite attorney at no cost to you. If your dog has never bitten anyone or shown any violent tendencies, you might be able to show that you were not negligent. You did not know that this would happen!
Once your dog has a local record of biting or threatening people, a person who is bitten may have a stronger case against you. You should be on notice that you need to take extra care to keep your dog restrained and warn people of its propensities.
Seek Legal Help in a Dog Bite Lawsuit
Whatever step of the lawsuit you are in, it’s never too early or too late to hire a dog-bite lawyer. If you have been bitten, you need an attorney who can represent your best interests and who understands Texas statutes. If your dog has bitten someone, you also should not face a lawsuit alone. You have the right to be treated justly.
Dog bite lawsuits can be complicated, with a lot of moving parts and emotionally difficult negotiations. While you are physically recovering from this traumatic event, you should not have to figure out the legal and insurance aspects of it on your own.
Call Law Office of Eric Harron at (512) 963 8855 right now to speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer in the Austin, Texas, area. We can help you through this case safely and get the compensation you deserve.
How Our Texas Dog Bite Attorneys Can Assist You?
Our dedicated legal team is committed to advocating for your rights and maximizing your compensation.
Comprehensive Dog Bites Case Evaluation and Legal Advice
We will assess the details of your dog bite case, explain your legal options, and outline a strategic plan tailored to your needs.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. Our dog bites attorneys are experienced negotiators who will fight to secure a fair settlement.
Litigation and Court Representation
If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate for you before a judge and jury.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases in Texas
Let’s answer some of the most common questions about dog bite claims in Texas.
Who is Liable for a Dog Bite Injury in Texas?
Liability typically falls on the dog’s owner, but other parties, such as landlords, may also be held responsible in certain circumstances.
What if the Dog Owner Claims Provocation?
Provocation can be a defense in dog bite cases. However, our dog bites attorneys investigate thoroughly to counter any unjust claims.
Can I Still Recover Damages if I Was Partially at Fault
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, allowing recovery if you’re less than 51% at fault.
Contact Our Texas Dog Bites Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite, don’t face the legal process alone. Our experienced team is here to help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Visit The Law Office of Eric Harron Or Call (512) 963 8855 today for a FREE consultation, and let us advocate for your rights.