If you or a family member suffered injuries because of a dog bite incident, you may have a case against the dog’s owner or handler. Dog owners must keep their dogs on a leash or otherwise controlled at all times, especially if they have a history of threatening behavior. Failure to do so could make them liable for injuries, expenses, and losses.
A Richardson dog bite lawyer from Underwood Law Office can review your dog bite case and determine if we can help you hold the owner legally responsible today. We provide free case assessments for those hurt in Dallas and Collin counties, including Richardson and other nearby areas.
Recovering Compensation for Your Dog Bite Damages
Dog attacks almost always require prompt medical care. This is because of the nature of the wounds—often puncture wounds or tears—and the bacteria present in a dog’s mouth. These wounds are very likely to become infected without proper cleaning and care. For this reason, almost all victims incur some type of related expenses or losses. The worse their injuries, the more these cases may be worth.
We help victims seek a financial recovery by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the dog’s owner. This could allow them to recover compensation for damages that include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and benefits if they missed work
- Related expenses
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
Some Dog Bite Incidents Leave Victims With Lasting or Fatal Injuries
While any dog bite injury can be serious and slow to heal, some affect many aspects of the victim’s life for years to come. This includes those that cause disfiguring scarring, lead to amputations, or cause other lasting injuries. These injuries could call for additional damages, including:
- Future treatment, such as plastic surgery to reduce scarring
- Ongoing care and support costs
- Diminished earning capacity if they cannot go back to their career
- Disability and disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
- Other intangible losses
If your loved one passes away from their injuries before filing a personal injury lawsuit, their personal representative can act on behalf of their heirs and pursue justice. We can help with these cases, as well.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Richardson, call (972) 535-6377
Lawyers from Underwood Law Office Have Fought for Victims’ Rights Since 1997
At Underwood Law Office, our goal is to help every client get their life back. We take steps to help them:
- Protect their rights
- Understand their legal options
- Make decisions based on their best interests
- Develop a claim or grounds for a lawsuit
- Document their losses
- Seek compensation based on the facts of their case
- Hold the dog’s owner legally responsible
- Recover money damages
To learn more about how we have helped hundreds of clients get back to their previous activities and recover compensation for their losses, review our case results. Keep in mind that we represent every client based on contingency. We will not charge you lawyer’s fees unless you receive compensation.
Richardson Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (972) 535-6377
Developing a Case Against the Dog’s Owner Under Texas Law
A Richardson personal injury lawyer from our team knows there are two ways we can show a dog’s owner is legally responsible for your injuries:
- By showing the dog had a history of bad behavior and the owner was aware of it but did not take the precautions required under Texas Health and Safety Code § 822
- By showing the dog’s owner acted negligently by violating the leash law under Richardson, TX, Code of Ordinances Sec. 5-1, which could have prevented the attack if followed
More than 30 states have dog bite statutes that hold the owner strictly liable for any injuries that occur as of April 2022, but Texas is not one of them. Instead, Texas follows common law for animal attacks. This means that you can only hold the owner strictly liable without proving their negligence if you can show the dog has a history of attacks, bites, or threats while unprovoked, and the owner is aware.
This is difficult to prove in many cases. However, we can work to build a case based on the state’s personal injury laws. We can show that the dog’s owner violated the local leash laws and the dog was not on a leash, confined to their property, or otherwise under their control when the attack occurred.
Establishing the Four Elements of Negligence
If the dog owner violated state requirements or the Richardson leash ordinance, we can argue the following four elements of negligence:
- The owner had an obligation to act a certain way, in this case controlling their dog.
- They failed to do so.
- This caused or allowed the injuries to occur.
- Our client was hurt and suffered financial losses.
Using evidence of the attack, their injuries, and their damages, we may be able to use the facts of the case to negotiate a settlement with the dog owner’s insurer or take the case to court and ask a jury to award a fair verdict.
Click to contact our Richardson Personal Injury Lawyers today
Timelines for Taking Legal Action Against a Dog’s Owner in Richardson, TX
Texas has a deadline for suing the negligent party after a personal injury. In general, this is two years from the date the incident occurred to two years following the victim’s death from a personal injury. This is found under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. While there are exceptions, they are not common.
We encourage victims to get medical care as soon as possible after their injuries occur and then to begin considering their options for legal action. You should not have to pay for your medical bills, cover lost income, and shoulder other related financial effects on your own. The party whose carelessness allowed your injuries to occur should be legally responsible. Let us help you build a case against them.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Get Started Today With a Free Case Review
You can discuss your Richardson dog bite injuries and legal options for free today with an attorney from Underwood Law Office. We offer complimentary initial consultations for victims and their families. This allows you to get answers to your questions and learn how our team may be able to help. Connect with us now to find out your next steps.
Call or text (972) 535-6377 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form