Baytown Dog Bite Lawyer

OUR BAYTOWN DOG BITE LAWYER FIGHTS FOR THE RIGHTS OF INJURED VICTIMS

Did a Dog Bite You? Take Legal Action Now!

Dogs are beloved pets living among us, earning them the title of “man’s best friend.” That being said, dogs with aggressive tendencies sometimes act out, causing them to bite people. Texas law allows you to hold the owner responsible for your injuries if a dog bites you unprovoked. You can seek compensation for your injuries and related losses.

However, seeking compensation requires the guidance of an experienced Baytown dog bite lawyer. At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of dog bite victims. We will hold the negligent dog bite owner accountable, and even if they were not negligent, we will still hold them responsible under strict liability law.

We know the applicable Texas laws for dog bite cases and will use this knowledge and our experience to get the best possible outcome. We also understand insurance companies’ tactics to evade liability and have strategies for countering them. We will handle the legalities of your case while you focus on your recovery.

To seek compensation for your harm, call us now at (713) 973-8888 for a free and confidential consultation. We will discuss your case facts, and create a strategy to get a fair settlement.

Why Choose Our Baytown Dog Bite Attorney?

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we understand how complicated dog bite claims can be. We also know how dangerous dog bite injuries are and the effect they can have on your life.

Over the past 35 years, we have handled numerous dog bite claims, and this experience has equipped us with the skills and knowledge to help our clients achieve their compensation goals. Also, we are experienced negotiators and trial lawyers, so you can count on us to provide excellent representation regardless of your case’s facts.

Our attorneys and support staff are dedicated and committed to every case, providing each one with the resources and attention needed to secure a favorable outcome. Contact us if you need an ethical law firm with experienced staff, an in-depth understanding of the Texas legal system and ties to the Baytown community. We will listen to you and provide guidance based on your case facts.

We have recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We remain committed to securing maximum compensation.

Common Injuries Associated With the Dog Bite Cases We Handle

Dog bites can lead to different types of injuries, depending on the severity of the attack and the dog breed. Below are some injuries associated with the claims we handle.

  • Puncture Wounds: These injuries are deep, penetrating wounds caused by the dog’s teeth breaking the skin. If not appropriately treated, puncture wounds can lead to infections. Pitbulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds will likely inflict this wound.
  • Lacerations and Tears: Severe dog bites from Pitbulls and Doberman Pinschers can lead to deep cuts and tears in the skin, muscles, and tissues. You might need stitches and maybe surgery if you sustain this injury.
  • Fractures: When Rottweilers, Mastiffs, and Bullmastiffs bite, the force can be strong enough to fracture or crush bones, particularly in the arms, hands, or legs.
  • Infections: Any dog breed can cause an infection, and they are pretty standard with dog bites. Dog bite infections, like tetanus, rabies, and bacterial infections, can be minor, severe, or deadly if not treated immediately.
  • Nerve Damage: German Shepherds and Rottweilers are two breeds that can cause nerve damage, resulting in loss of sensation or mobility in the affected area.
  • Scarring and Disfigurement: Dog bites to the face or other visible body parts can result in scarring or disfigurement and might require reconstructive surgery. Pitbulls, Boxers, and Bulldogs are commonly associated with this injury.

Dog bites can also lead to emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In worst-case scenarios, especially when children or the elderly are involved, a dog bite can cause death. If you lose a loved one to a dog bite or attack, our Baytown dog bite injury lawyer can help you seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite Injury in Baytown, Texas?

After a dog bite injury, there are things you must do to protect your health and legal rights. We recommend taking these steps:

Identify the Dog and Its Owner

Once a dog bites you, try to identify it and the owner. Pay attention to the breed, size, and whether it is on a leash or wearing a collar. For the owner, find out their name and contact information and determine whether the dog has been vaccinated, especially for rabies. The preceding is vital for seeking compensation.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Dog bites pose a risk of infections that can turn deadly if not treated on time. Therefore, even if the bite appears minor, seek immediate medical attention. A healthcare provider will assess the wound and provide relevant treatment.

Report the Dog Bite

After getting medical attention, you can file a report with the local animal control or the Baytown Police Department. Explain what happened and ensure the report is in writing, as the documentation is vital evidence for a claim.

Document Your Injuries

If you need stitches, ensure you take photos of your injury before getting stitched. These photos are crucial proof.  You should also photograph where the dog bite happened and, if possible, the dog involved.

Avoid Contact With the Dog Owner

Sometimes, the dog owner might be family, a close friend, or a neighbor. But personal relationships do not mean you can’t get compensation for your injuries. If you intend to seek compensation, it is best to avoid the dog’s owners, as anything you say to them can impact your claim.

Consult Our Baytown Dog Bite Lawyers

It is best not to handle your dog bite case alone, as the laws can be complex to understand and apply. Our lawyers can help you with your claim, ensuring you know your rights and guiding you to make the best decisions.

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we have a track record of successful outcomes, a testament to the hard work we put into every case we handle.

How Is Liability Established in Dog Bite Claims?

Unlike most U.S. states, Texas does not have a dog bite statute. Dog bite claims are handled under the theory of negligence and the one-bite rule. So, to establish liability, we must show the dog owner’s fault under either of the two.

The One-Bite Rule

This rule is presented under the common law. It holds a dog owner liable for a bite injury if the dog has previously bitten someone or has a history of aggressive behavior. To prove liability under the one-bite rule, we will show that:

  • The dog had bitten or acted aggressively in the past.
  • The owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous propensities.

Therefore, if the owner knew of their dog’s aggressive tendencies but failed to take action, they would be liable for any injury caused.

Negligence

A dog owner can also be liable under negligence laws. Here, even if the dog has no history of violent behavior, the owner can still be held liable if they failed to act reasonably to prevent an attack. We will establish these essential elements of negligence to prove liability:

  • The dog owner owed you a duty of care to act responsibly, such as keeping their dog on a leash or putting up a warning sign.
  • The owner breached the duty of care.
  • The breached duty caused the injury you suffered.
  • The injury resulted in damages for which you should be compensated.

We will support the above with evidence like witness statements about the attack; records of the dog’s aggressive behavior; lack of proper fencing, warning, or restraint of the dog; and documentation of ownership. If you were trespassing on the dog owner’s property or provoked the dog, you might be unable to file a valid claim.

Recoverable Compensation for a Dog Bite Injury

If you were attacked and injured by a dog, you can recover the following economic and non-economic damages:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium
  • Costs for psychological counseling
  • Loss of future earning capacity.

We will calculate your claim’s value and ensure you get adequate compensation for your damages.

Our lawyers know how to build strong claims and what is needed to win, and we will create a strategy that helps us get you a favorable outcome. 

Baytown Dog Bite Lawyer FAQs

If you have questions about making a dog bite claim, we will provide answers during your consultation. Here we have answered some frequently asked questions.

Can I Recover Compensation if the Dog Has Never Bitten Anyone Before?

Yes. You can recover compensation if you can prove the owner was negligent, like failing to properly restrain the dog, or violating a local ordinance, like a leash law.

What if the Dog Owner Claims I Provoked the Dog?

The owner may argue that provocation was involved, but this will be evaluated based on the circumstances. We will help you refute this claim by providing evidence to support your case. However, if you provoked the dog somehow, modified comparative negligence law will apply, meaning you can still get compensation, but your fault percentage will reduce the amount.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Dog Bite Claim?

There is no fixed time frame for settling a claim. It can take months to years, depending on factors like the case’s complexity, the severity of your injuries, the damages sought, and the willingness of the parties to settle.

What Happens if the Dog That Bit Me Is a Stray? Can I Still Get Compensation?

It is challenging to get compensation if the dog is a stray and has no identifiable owner. However, if it belongs to a shelter, the shelter might be liable if they were negligent in handling the dog.

How Our Attorneys Can Help You

If you suffered a dog bite injury, we can handle your claim while you focus on recovering. We will assess the strength of your claim and determine if you are entitled to compensation. Also, we will handle the claim filing, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you get fair compensation.

We will help you maximize your compensation and represent you in court if we cannot settle with the dog owner and their insurer. We are available 24/7 to attend to emergencies, and you can always contact us for support or an update on your claim.

Our Baytown, Texas, Dog Bite Lawyer Will Fight for You

If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite injury, our Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law team is here for you. We work on a contingency fee basis and do not charge upfront fees. Get started on your claim today by calling (713) 973-8888 or toll-free at 1(800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential case review.

Attorney Terry Bryant

Attorney Terry BryantTerry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]