The Woodlands Dog Bite Lawyer

EXPERIENCED AND SKILLED DOG BITE LAWYERS IN THE WOODLANDS

We Hold Negligent Dog Owners Responsible for Your Injuries

Dogs may be called “man’s best friend,” but sometimes they can turn violent and harm people. Texas law allows the injured person to take legal action when this happens. So, if a dog bites you, you might be eligible for compensation. However, several rules and exceptions apply, and you must ascertain whether you have a valid claim before commencing one.

This is where our experienced The Woodlands dog bite lawyers can help you. We understand the severe nature of dog bite injuries and their impact on your life. Therefore, we will do all we can to ensure you have a favorable outcome and receive compensation for your injuries.

Whether the dog bite occurred on someone else’s property, in a public space, or even in your home, we have the experience and skills to handle all types of dog bite cases. Contact us now for a free consultation at (713) 973-8888 or toll-free 1 (800) 444-5000, and let us help you take the first step toward recovery and justice.

Why Choose The Woodlands Dog Bite Attorney?

A dog bite can leave you with physical pain, emotional trauma, and unexpected medical expenses. Our attorneys understand this and dedicate time and resources to helping you seek compensation. We have successfully represented other dog bite victims, and our record speaks to our commitment to holding negligent dog owners accountable for their animal’s actions.

Our Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law team will provide compassionate representation while going after the party responsible for your injuries. We will thoroughly investigate your case, identify the liable parties, and create a legal strategy that meets your unique needs. We always give 110% to every case, giving each client what they need for their claim to succeed.

Our initial consultations are free, so take the first step toward holding the party responsible for your dog bite injury accountable by contacting us. We are always available to attend to you.

Our attorneys will help you understand your rights and options and how to maximize your compensation. 

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can result in various injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Here are some common types of dog bite injuries:

• Puncture Wounds: When a dog’s teeth penetrate the skin, it can cause deep punctures, which could become infected if not properly treated.
• Lacerations: Dogs can inflict cuts or tears in the skin that vary in depth and length, often requiring stitches. Lacerations can leave scars.
• Infections: Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the body, leading to cellulitis, abscesses, or even more severe conditions like sepsis.
• Crush Injuries: This injury type occurs when the dog’s jaws exert significant pressure, potentially causing damage to muscles, nerves, and bones.
• Avulsions: This type of injury involves the tearing away of skin and tissue, which can be particularly severe and may require reconstructive surgery.
• Fractures: In some cases, the force of a dog bite can cause broken bones, especially in the hands, arms, or legs.
• Nerve Damage: Bites can damage nerves, leading to loss of sensation or function in the affected area.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Severe bites can result in permanent scarring or disfigurement, which may require cosmetic surgery.
• Emotional Trauma: Dog bites can also cause significant emotional and psychological distress, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Sometimes, if a dog has rabies and the bitten person does not get medical attention, a dog bite injury can be fatal. Therefore, seeking medical attention is essential if you or someone you know has suffered a dog bite injury.

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite Injury?

Although a dog bite injury is traumatic, you must take steps to protect your rights and health. Below are the steps we always advise dog bite victims to take.

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if the bite seems minor, get medical care to prevent infection and address potential complications. Keep all medical appointments and follow your doctor’s advice for treatment and recovery. Also, save all medical records and receipts.
• Clean the Wound: If the wound is not severe, wash it with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. Apply an antiseptic and cover it with a clean bandage.
• Document the Incident: Take photos of your injuries, where the bite occurred, and the dog if possible. This documentation is crucial for your case.
• Report the Bite: Notify local animal control or the police about the incident. This helps create an official record and prevent future attacks by the same dog.
• Identify the Dog and Owner: Obtain contact information for the dog’s owner and any witnesses. The information is necessary for any legal action you may take.
• Consult an Attorney: Speak with our Woodlands dog bite lawyer. We will help you determine the validity of your claim and its strengths and weaknesses.

We advise avoiding contact with the dog until the situation is resolved. Also, if the dog owner is a friend or relative, it’s best to limit communication until the conclusion of your claim.

Your chances of recovering a fair settlement begin immediately after the dog bite. So, take these steps and let us handle the case on your behalf while you recover. 

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite Injury in The Woodlands, Texas?

Generally, the dog owner is liable for a bite injury, but Texas does not have a primary statute spelling out the dog owner’s civil liability for damages. However, case law shows two instances where a dog owner will be liable for injuries caused by their animal.

Liability Under the One-Bite Rule

Under this rule, dog owners who know or should have known that their dogs are dangerous are strictly liable if they attack and injure someone. Therefore, once a dog owner is on notice that their dog has dangerous or aggressive tendencies, they will be liable for any injury it inflicts. Even if the owner took precautions to protect outsiders from their dog, they would be liable for damages.

This is what being “strictly liable” means. There is no way to escape accountability under the doctrine of strict liability. However, the onus is on you to prove that the dog owner knew of their dog’s dangerous or violent tendencies. Doing this is hard, so you need our experienced and skilled Woodlands dog bite lawyers to help you establish liability.

Liability Based on Negligence

Dog bite victims can also pursue compensation against dog owners under the theory of negligence. Negligence is the failure to behave with the level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised under the same circumstances. Proving negligence in a dog bite injury case involves establishing several elements:

• The defendant owed or possessed the dog that inflicted the injury.
• The defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff. This duty involves preventing the animal from injuring other people.
• The defendant breached the duty of care.
• The beached duty led to the direct or proximate cause of the dog bite and the resulting injury.
• The plaintiff suffered damages due to the injury, for which they deserve compensation.

In a negligence claim, you don’t need to prove that the dog owner knew of any previous attack or the dog’s dangerous tendencies. All that’s required is evidence of the dog owner’s carelessness in handling the dog. Additionally, if the dog owner intentionally trained their dog to attack others, they will be liable for any damages.

Defenses to Dog Bite Claims

As the victim has the right to file a claim, owners have defenses they can use to escape liability. They include the following:

• Owners can argue that the one-bite rules do not apply by disputing the evidence presented by the victim that the dog behaved threateningly or dangerously. They can also use the testimony of dog walkers, vets, or neighbors to show they have no reason to think their dog might hurt someone.
• Owners can argue that the victim was negligent. If there is evidence of negligence on your part, the Texas modified comparative negligence law will apply, meaning you will share the responsibility for your injury.
• Owners can argue the victim was trespassing. If this is the case, the owner will not be strictly liable for the trespasser’s injury.

Our Woodlands dog bite attorneys know how to build strong cases, and we have the resources needed to achieve a successful outcome.

Recoverable Compensation in a Dog Bite Case

Dog bite victims can recover economic and non-economic damages, and they include the following:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of consortium
• Property damage.

In cases where the dog owner’s behavior was particularly reckless or malicious, the court may award punitive damages to punish them and deter similar conduct in the future.

The Woodlands Dog Bite Lawyer FAQs

Below are some of the questions we often hear from dog bite victims:

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for a dog bite claim is typically two years from the incident date. (*Always speak directly to an attorney to learn the exact deadlines that apply to your potential claims.) Once the time elapses, you lose your right to seek compensation.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite Case?

While you can handle a claim alone, having an experienced dog bite lawyer can significantly improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. We can help gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the incident. Also, the percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.

How Much Does Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost in The Woodlands?

Our Woodlands dog bite attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. We only take a percentage of your potential recovery and do not charge upfront fees.

How Our Attorneys Can Help You

If you sustained a dog bite injury and retain the services of our legal team, we will assess the details of your case to determine its strength and the potential for compensation. We will gather crucial evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and photographs, to build the strongest possible case.

Our attorneys will handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement. If negotiations fail, we will prepare and file all necessary legal documents within the required deadlines and represent you in court. We will provide emotional support and reassurance throughout the legal process, helping you navigate the complexities of your case.

We Can Help You Secure Fair Compensation

If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite injury, do not hesitate to contact our Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law team. It is your right to seek compensation, and our lawyers can increase your chances of success. Call us now at (713) 973-8888 for your free and confidential case review.