Dogs are considered people’s best friend, and they can be gentle and loving to many. However, any dog can show aggression or bite when it feels scared or threatened. Some dogs may be more aggressive due to a history of neglect, abuse, or improper training. Getting bit by a dog can cause serious bodily harm, leave physical and psychological scars, and cost a lot of money.
If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog or suffered from an attack, an Allen dog bit lawyer from Underwood Law Office can help you seek justice and compensation for these injuries.
We Help Dog Bite Victims and Their Families in Allen
The dog bite lawyers at Underwood Law Office understand the complex rules and laws around dog bites in Texas. We also know how to negotiate with insurance companies and represent victims in court to get the best possible settlement. When you work with the Underwood Law Office, you can focus on recovery while we:
- Collect evidence regarding the attack, your injuries, and the dog’s behavioral history
- Determine if the “one-bite rule” applies to your dog bite case
- Prove negligence or strict liability
- Identify all at-fault parties
- Help you file insurance claims
- Negotiate for a better settlement with insurance companies
- Handle court proceedings
We know how costly it can be to treat injuries from a dog bite or other dog attack. That’s why we take on many cases for no upfront costs to you. We can work on contingency fees and only get paid once you do.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Allen, call (972) 535-6377
What Are the Laws on Dog Bites in Texas?
There are no civil statutes that assign liability to dog owners whose animals have no history of aggression. The 1974 Texas Supreme Court case of Marshall v Ranne set the precedent of the “one-bite rule.” This rule states that a dog owner should not be held strictly liable for a dog’s first bite if the dog has never bitten, attacked, or threatened anyone previously.
However, the one-bite rule doesn’t prevent you from seeking compensation. In fact, you can still file an insurance claim or lawsuit if you can prove the dog owner or at-fault party was negligent. For example, you may have a claim if your attack occurred because a dog owner failed to restrain their dog per public leash ordinances.
If a dog does have a history of unprovoked biting or aggression, the owner can be held strictly liable. Per Texas Health and Safety Code section 822.041, a dangerous dog is one that:
- Has attacked and caused bodily injury, unprovoked, while outside of its enclosure
- Has threatened to bite or attack, unprovoked, while outside of its enclosure
If the dog is considered a “dangerous dog” by Texas law, the owner can be held strictly liable and even face criminal charges if they fail to uphold the special duty of care required of dangerous dog owners. This would include if the owner knew the dog’s history of aggression and did not restrain the dog, thus failing to prevent the dog from biting you.
Allen Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (972) 535-6377
Is It Worth Suing for a Dog Bite?
It can be worth filing an insurance claim or suing the negligent party for your injuries so you can have compensation to help pay for damages like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages or inability to work
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death of a loved one
- Injuries or death of a pet
How Much Compensation Will I Get From My Dog Bite Case?
Compensation can greatly vary for dog bites and attacks. The amount you might get for your Allen dog bite case can depend on factors like:
- The victim’s age at the time of the attack
- The type and severity of injuries
- The total cost of financial damages, like medical costs, lost income, etc.
- How these injuries have impacted and will continue to impact your life
- Whether the dog was a dangerous dog by Texas law
- Whether the dog owner or negligent party is strictly liable
- The number of policies you can file claims through
We will review these and other factors to calculate your damages and give you a better idea of what your case is worth. We can help you as you decide whether to take an insurance settlement or file a lawsuit to try to recover more compensation.
We know that no amount of money can take back your injuries and the pain you and your family have experienced. But we will work hard to maximize your claims and secure the best possible compensation we can.
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Seeking Compensation for Your Dog Bite or Attack in Allen
You might have multiple avenues for seeking compensation for your dog bite. Your Allen dog bite lawyer can help you determine which sources of compensation may be available to you based on the facts of your case. Some potential ways to seek compensation for a dog bite or attack include:
- A dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance policy
- A dog owner’s renter’s insurance policy
- A homeowners association’s insurance policy
- A landlord’s or property manager’s property liability insurance
- A business’ property or other liability insurance
An Allen dog bite lawyer from Underwood Law Office will calculate your damages and negotiate for the best possible settlement. We can advise you on accepting the settlement or pursuing other legal action. You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to try to recover as much compensation as possible.
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Types of Injuries from Dog Bites and Attacks
You can suffer injuries from the bite itself as well as from any impacts with the ground or property around you as you’re knocked down. Here are some of the most common types of dog bite injuries:
- Broken bones
- Puncture wounds
- Blood loss
- Cuts and bruises
- Torn muscles and tissue
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neck and back injuries
- Amputation
- Infection, including rabies
This list is not exhaustive, and your injury may not be listed. In addition, psychological injuries that are not physically apparent, such as PTSD, can be included in your dog bite case. When you speak with an Allen dog bite lawyer, they can help uncover what injuries can be included in your specific case.
Contact Underwood Law Office Before Time Runs Out
According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is two years from the incident. So, from the time of your dog bite, the clock is already ticking for you to file a lawsuit and recover much-needed compensation for your dog bite or attack.
An Allen dog bite lawyer from Underwood Law Office can get started on your case right away. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.
Call or text (972) 535-6377 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
