Dog Bite Attorney in Houston, TX
Dogs are popular pets in Houston, and many people enjoy taking their pets to Johnny Steele Dog Park, the Millie Bush Dog Park, and walking with their dogs through the suburban areas around Houston. While most people have enjoyable interactions with dogs, it’s possible for attacks to occur unexpectedly. If this has happened to you or a family member, you need to consult a Houston dog bite lawyer right away to discuss your legal options.
Representing Dog Bite Victims in Houston, TX
The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates can represent you in a personal injury case after another person’s dog has bitten and injured you. A Houston personal injury lawyer is an invaluable asset to have on your side when another party has caused economic and non-economic damages with their negligence or misconduct, and it is important to understand how Texas’s dog bite laws will apply to your case.
About 1,000 Americans visit emergency rooms in the United States every day for dog bite injuries. Dog attacks account for almost $2 billion in economic damages each year, and it is possible for any dog attack to result in painful and traumatic injuries.
In Texas, there is a one-bite rule that may shield a dog owner from liability if they had no idea their dog could be dangerous, but it is possible for the victim of a dog attack to sue for negligence, or if the dog was known to be dangerous.
Your Houston dog bite lawyer can review the details of the incident and determine your most viable legal options. You may need to show that the owner was negligent in their care of the dog and/or that the one-bite rule does not apply to the situation. If there is any evidence that the dog had attacked anyone else previously or if it was classified as dangerous for any reason, the dog owner is fully liable for the damages you suffered.
Recovering Compensation for a Dog Bite in Houston
Before you can claim compensation for your recent dog attack, you must first prove that you were lawfully present at the location where the attack occurred and that you did not provoke the attack. For example, if the property owner’s dog attacks you on private property, you have no legal recourse because you were illegally present on the property. The same would apply if someone is attacked after abusing a dog.
Once you establish that you were lawfully present and did not provoke the dog, your Houston dog bite lawyer can help you determine whether the one-bite rule shields the dog owner. Once a dog has been classified as dangerous, the owner is on notice for any future aggression and will be held strictly liable if their dog bites and injures anyone else in the future. It is also possible to sue a dog owner for negligent handling of the dog.
If you have grounds to pursue compensation from the dog owner, it is possible to claim recompense for any economic and non-economic damages you suffered. Dog attacks are not only painful and damaging, but they can also be psychologically traumatic. The victim may not only require medical attention but also be unable to work for an extended time while they recover. You need to hire a dog bite lawyer to help you maximize your recovery.
The team at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates can provide compassionate legal counsel when you need it most for a personal injury case in Houston. Our firm excels at handling a wide range of difficult cases, and we are confident we can help secure compensation for your damages efficiently. Reach out to our firm at your earliest convenience to hear about the types of legal services we can offer.
FAQs About Dog Bites in Houston, TX
What Is the One-Bite Rule for Dogs in Texas?
The one-bite rule for dogs in Texas essentially protects a dog owner from liability the first time their pet bites and injures someone without provocation. As soon as this happens, the dog owner is on notice to prevent any similar incidents in the future. If their dog bites and injures anyone else after the first time, the dog owner is strictly liable for all resulting damages.
How Much Recompense Can I Claim for a Dog Bite in Houston?
The recompense you can claim for a dog bite in Houston depends upon the serious nature of the injuries the dog caused. You may be eligible to claim recompense for your medical expenses, lost income if you are unable to work while you recover, and recompense for any physical pain and emotional suffering you experienced. If the dog owner was criminally negligent, they could also be forced to pay punitive damages and face other penalties, including fines or jail time.
How Is Pain and Suffering Compensation Calculated in a Dog Bite Case?
In a dog bite case, pain and suffering compensation can be calculated in various ways. There is no single formula that a plaintiff must use to calculate pain and suffering. In Texas, it is common for personal injury attorneys to multiply their clients’ economic damages by a factor that reflects the overall serious nature of the injury. If you suffered any catastrophic harm, you could secure substantial pain and suffering compensation.
Why Should I Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
You should hire a dog bite lawyer to maximize your chance of success with your case. The right attorney can help you gather evidence to prove fault, determine which Texas dog bite laws apply to your situation, and fight for maximum compensation. You have a greater chance of success with your recovery efforts and a higher likelihood of maximizing your compensation with an attorney representing you.
The team at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates is ready to provide comprehensive legal support for all stages of your dog bite injury case in Houston. We have successfully helped many past clients pursue accountability and compensation for their damages, and we can leverage this experience in your dog bite injury claim. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Houston dog bite lawyer and learn how we can assist with your recovery.