Dogs might be described as man’s best friend, but sometimes they turn vicious and bite. A dog bite can range from minor to severe, and in some cases it might be fatal. In either case, a dog bite victim can seek compensation from the owner for the injuries sustained and associated losses.
However, a dog bite claim is not always straightforward; if you decide to handle it alone, you might be unable to deal with the complexities involved. This is why you should contact our experienced College Station dog bite lawyer. We have the skills to pursue maximum compensation for you.
We will work diligently to investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build a solid case to hold the responsible party accountable. We will help you seek justice and ensure the dog bite does not disrupt your life. Call Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free and confidential dog bite consultation.
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, our dedicated legal and support staff have helped dog bite victims seek compensation for more than three decades. Our lawyers have a track record of success and positive testimonials from satisfied clients. We understand the dangers of a dog bite injury and do not take the harm you suffered lightly.
As a result, we commit time and resources to every case, aggressively going after the negligent dog owner while offering you compassionate representation. You can trust us to be by your side from the beginning to the end of your case. Our consultations are free, so you don’t have to worry about upfront costs. Call us now to learn more about how we can help you.
We have the resources to stand up to anything the opposition throws at our clients, and we pride ourselves on our access to world-class expert witnesses to build our cases.
Dog bite injuries can vary significantly in severity and type, depending on factors such as the dog’s breed, size, and the circumstances of the attack. The following are common dog bite injuries:
Puncture wounds are sustained when the dog’s teeth penetrate the skin. They are deep wounds and prone to infection if not properly treated.
Lacerations are cuts or tears in the skin caused by the dog’s teeth or claws. They may require stitches and leave a scar.
Dogs with strong jaws cause crush injuries, as this requires significant force. These injuries can damage muscles, nerves, and bones. Giant breeds like Mastiffs and Great Danes, known for their powerful bites, are more likely to cause crush injuries.
Dogs, especially those without routine vaccination, can bite and introduce bacteria like cellulitis and abscesses into the body. Sometimes, a dog bite might result in sepsis, an infection with deadly consequences. Any dog breed can introduce infection to the body when it bites.
If the force of the dog bite is strong, it can break bones, especially in the arms, hands, and legs.
Dog bites can cause nerve damage, causing loss of sensation or function in the affected area. Nerve damage can occur in any dog breed, but it is more common with larger breeds with powerful bites.
A dog bite can also result in avulsions (tearing away of the skin and tissue), significant scarring, and disfigurement. For some people, it causes emotional trauma, making them afraid of dogs.
Therefore, do not hesitate to exercise your right to compensation.
We advise dog bite victims to take the following steps immediately after getting bitten by a dog:
Take photos and videos of your injuries, the location of the incident, and the dog if possible. This documentation can be valuable evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim. If there are witnesses, get their information, as they can corroborate your version of events. Also, try to identify the dog owner and get their name and contact information. Ask about the dog’s vaccination history; contact the local animal control if it is a stray.
Dog bites can result in severe infections and other complications, so even if the bite seems minor, get medical help immediately. A medical professional can clean the wound, administer necessary vaccinations (like tetanus), and prescribe antibiotics. However, if medical care is not immediately available, wash the wound with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Then, apply an antiseptic and cover the wound with a clean bandage.
File a report with local authorities, such as animal control or the police, about the dog bite. This helps create an official record of your injury and the dog’s dangerous tendencies. Also, the record can assist in preventing future attacks and is proof when seeking compensation.
Our attorneys know how to approach dog bite cases and will inform you of the strengths and weaknesses of your case and your legal options. We will also help you understand your rights and the liabilities and responsibilities of the dog owner.
At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we build strong and compelling case strategies for our clients, focusing on what each person needs and their goal.
Generally, the dog owner is liable for a dog bite injury, and liability can be under the “one-bite rule” or the negligence theory.
The one-bite rule falls under the strict liability doctrine. Under this rule, a dog owner is strictly liable if they knew or should have known of their dog’s dangerous tendencies. This is the case if the dog bit someone previously or attempted to bite someone.
However, if the dog owner was unaware of the dog’s dangerous behavior or that it had previously bitten someone, the one-bite rule will not apply. The onus is on the victim to prove that the dog owner knew their animal was dangerous and had bitten someone before.
The upside of the one-bite rule is that the victim does not have to prove that the dog owner was negligent. All that’s needed is the dog’s bite history. The one-bite rule is not a statute but was adopted as case law after the Supreme Court’s ruling in Marshall v. Ranne.
If liability cannot be established under the one-bite rule, the next option is the negligence theory. Here, the dog owner will be deemed negligent if they failed to exercise the same care another person would have exercised in the same situation through action or inaction. To prove negligence, you must establish that:
Under the negligence theory, there is no need to establish that the dog owner knew the dog was dangerous or was aware of a bite. All that’s needed is to show how the owner negligently handled the dog.
Our College Station dog bite attorney can establish the elements of negligence and provide the evidence to demonstrate how the dog owner’s carelessness led to your injuries.
The compensation received in a dog bite injury claim covers economic and non-economic damages. They include the following:
If the dog owner’s behavior was reckless or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the owner and deter similar conduct. However, punitive damages are uncommon in College Station dog bite claims.
It is not unusual to have questions when you decide to pursue financial recovery after a dog bite. The following are some of the frequently asked questions from clients:
How Much Will I Receive as Compensation if I File a Claim?
We can estimate how much you can receive as compensation, but several factors will influence the amount once the process commences. Ultimately, you can receive up to tens of thousands of dollars or more. It depends on factors like your injury severity, the impact of your injury on your life, the presence of scarring or disfigurement, and your lawyer’s negotiation skills.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite injury claim is generally two years from the incident date. Failing to file within this period can bar you from recovering damages. (*Always speak directly to an attorney to obtain the exact deadlines that apply to your potential claims.)
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes. Texas follows the modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you were less than 51% at fault, you can recover damages, but your fault percentage will reduce your compensation.
What Should I Expect During the Legal Process?
The process starts with the initial consultation, during which you’ll discuss your case. Then, we’ll launch an investigation to gather evidence, send a demand letter to the dog owner’s insurance company, and negotiate a settlement. If the negotiation fails, we will file a lawsuit and possibly go to trial.
Having an attorney represent you is always best for your case. When you retain our services, we will evaluate your case, gather evidence, identify the liable parties, and calculate your damages. Additionally, we will negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company, file documents for a lawsuit, and represent you in court.
Throughout your case, we will provide legal advice, handle communications, and ensure compliance with all legal guidelines. We will be with you every step of the way, and you can always contact us whenever you have a question or want an update.
If you or a loved one sustained dog bite injuries, our Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law attorneys can help you hold the dog owner accountable. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay us when we win. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000 for a free, no-obligation, and confidential dog bite case review.
Terry 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 ]
