Dog Bite Attorney in Clear Lake, TX
It’s common to see dogs at Lake Nassau Dog Park or walking with their owners through Clear Lake, and many people in the area regularly have positive interactions with dogs. However, it is possible for dog attacks to happen unexpectedly, sometimes with devastating results. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a dog attack, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced Clear Lake dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.
Representing Dog Bite Victims in Clear Lake, TX
The team at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates can provide compassionate legal counsel when you or a loved one has been hurt by someone else’s dog. Texas’ dog bite laws can be confusing, and you may only have grounds for legal recourse against a dog owner under specific conditions. Your Clear Lake personal injury lawyer will be an invaluable resource for building your case and pursuing maximum compensation for your damages.
Dog attacks are responsible for nearly 13,000 hospitalizations every year in the US. About 1,000 people are hospitalized every day for dog attacks, and some attacks result in catastrophic damage. Under Texas’ “one bite” rule, a dog owner is usually not liable for the damages their pet causes the first time it attacks a person. If they were negligent in their handling of the dog or if the dog is classified as dangerous, however, strict liability applies.
Our firm will review the details of the attack you experienced, determine which Texas laws apply to your case, and help you pursue compensation for your damages. Our goal in every personal injury case we accept is to help our client navigate their proceedings efficiently and maximize their total compensation. You have limited time to build your case, so it’s vital to hire a dog bite lawyer at your first opportunity.
Recovering Compensation for a Dog Bite in Clear Lake
Texas enforces a “one bite” protection for dog owners. This means that if it is the first time a dog attacks and injures a person, the owner is only liable for resulting damages if they were negligent in their handling of the dog. For example, if they left it unattended in an open yard or if they let it off-leash in a public place, they may be found negligent and liable for damages.
Once a dog has bitten or otherwise injured a person, the owner is strictly liable for any future damage their pet causes to others. Your Clear Lake dog bite lawyer can determine which statutes apply to your case. Dog attacks can potentially cause serious injuries, and if a dog owner is liable for such an incident, you need an attorney’s help to hold them accountable for your economic and non-economic damages.
The team at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates will work closely with you through all stages of your proceedings, from determining fault for your damages to accurately showing the full extent of those damages. Whatever your case requires, you can trust our team to provide unwavering support and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. You have limited time to file your case, so reach out to our firm as soon as possible to learn how we can help.
FAQs About Dog Bites in Clear Lake, TX
What Happens to a Dog After it Bites in Clear Lake?
After a dog bites in Clear Lake, state law requires that it be placed in quarantine. This is to check for rabies and other infectious diseases and to determine whether the dog is a threat to public health or safety. Usually, the dog is returned to its owner at the end of the quarantine. However, if animal control authorities determine the dog to be exceptionally dangerous, the court could order euthanasia.
What Does Strict Liability Mean in a Dog Bite Case?
In a dog bite case, strict liability means the dog’s owner is fully responsible for the damages their pet has caused. If a dog no longer has “one bite” protection due to a previous incident, then the owner is strictly liable for all resulting damages the next time their dog attacks someone. Your Clear Lake dog bite lawyer can explain which statutes apply to your case and help you pursue maximum compensation for your damages.
What Damages Can I Claim in a Dog Bite Case?
The damages you could claim in a dog bite case include all medical expenses for treatment of your injuries, lost income if you were unable to work during recovery, any property damage the dog caused, and compensation for your pain and suffering. A Clear Lake dog bite attorney can determine whether you have grounds for a personal injury case and, if so, help you maximize your total compensation.
What Are Common Injuries From Dog Attacks in Texas?
In Texas, some of the most common injuries from dog attacks include puncture wounds and lacerations from bites, traumatic brain injuries, and/or broken bones from hitting the ground, internal injuries, and facial injuries. It’s possible for a dog attack to result in permanent disability and/or disfigurement, and this is also a psychologically traumatic experience.
Why Should I Hire a Dog Bite lawyer in Clear Lake?
You should hire a dog bite lawyer in Clear Lake because working with an experienced local attorney will significantly increase your chance of success with your recovery efforts. An attorney can determine which Texas laws apply to your case and what damages you are eligible to claim from the defendant. You are more likely to succeed with your case and more likely to maximize your total compensation with an attorney representing you.
Contact Our Law Firm
The team at The Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates can provide compassionate, results-driven legal counsel after you or a family member is hurt by someone else’s dog. You may have more legal options available to you than you initially realize, but you have limited time to pursue your case. We are confident we can guide you to a positive conclusion, so contact us today and schedule a free consultation with an experienced Clear Lake dog bite lawyer you can trust.