Dog bites can be a traumatic experience for anyone, especially a child. It’s important to understand that you have options after a dog attack.
Texas law holds dog owners strictly liable when their dog bites another person and they know their dog is dangerous. That means the dog owner (or their insurance company) may be automatically liable for your medical bills and other damages related to the dog bite. Our experienced Austin dog bite lawyers at FVF Law Firm – Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyers can help you understand your options and educate you on you.
We specialize in a wide range of injuries including Austin spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injuries, brain injuries in Austin, child injuries, and Austin auto accidents. As experienced Austin car accident lawyers, Austin truck accident lawyers, and Austin wrongful death attorneys, we are dedicated to providing expert legal representation for all your personal injury needs.
In that time, we’ve recovered millions of dollars to help injured clients like you put their lives back together after an injury. To learn about your legal rights to compensation, call our law offices in Austin, Texas, to schedule a free consultation today at (512) 817-1558.
Dogs bite for any number of reasons, regardless of why the dog bit, the dog’s owner and any other negligent parties may be responsible for the damage.
You may know that you can collect compensation. Still, you may not know what your case is worth or how to file a claim for damages. Our experienced Austin personal injury lawyers can handle your injury claim while you recover.
At FVF Law Firm – Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyers, we have a reputation for winning fair compensation for our clients. We know the insurance rules inside and out–and we’ve been recognized for our success. Members of our legal team have been recognized by Super Lawyers and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. We’ve also earned a perfect-10 Avvo rating.
Hire us, and you’ll have a lawyer to:
If you have questions about your rights, we have answers. Call today to schedule a free no-obligation consultation with an Austin personal injury attorney today.
According to the CDC, about 4.5 million dog bites are reported every year across the United States. Unfortunately, the injury rate is highest for young children between the ages of five and nine.
Texas is particularly dangerous when it comes to dog bites. The state often ranks number one in the nation for fatal dog bite injuries.
No two injury cases are exactly the same. That makes it difficult to estimate how much your personal injury case is worth without all of the facts.
That said, some important factors include:
Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies cover dog bite injuries. These policies will likely cover your dog bite regardless of whether they happened on the dog owner’s property. You may have other options for recovering compensation if the dog owner does not have insurance.
Call FVF Law Injury Attorneys to schedule a free, educational case review today.
You shouldn’t downplay the cost of dog bite injuries. Medical bills can add up quickly. You may struggle with complications and mental health issues that can take months, if not years, to heal.
Under Texas personal injury laws, you can seek compensation for your economic damages and your personal, non-economic damages.
Economic damages are those with an obvious financial value, such as:
Non-economic damages are your personal and subjective losses, including:
Your non-economic damages can form a substantial part of your compensation award. These damages are also the most difficult to prove.
Our lawyers in Austin have been helping clients fight for fair compensation for decades. We can help you evaluate your damages and determine your case’s value. That way, you’ll be in a position to demand compensation for every loss after your dog bite.
Dog owners often try to avoid liability by blaming the victim for provoking the dog. Under Texas modified comparative negligence rules, you can recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% responsible for the dog attack. Your compensation can be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
However, if your share of fault is 51% or more, you lose your right to sue for damages entirely.
These comparative negligence laws only apply in cases where the dog owner was negligent. If the dog owner knew the dog was dangerous, the owner might be held strictly liable even if your actions provoked the dog in some way.
Cases involving shared fault can be particularly complex. You deserve an experienced lawyer who can defend you if you’re being blamed for causing your own injuries. FVF Law Injury Attorneys would be proud to stand up for you. Just call our law firm for your free case evaluation today.
Even a relatively minor injury can have serious consequences. Dog bite injuries can be painful. Some can even interfere with your ability to work and earn a living.
At FVF Law Firm – Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyers, our Austin dog bite attorneys often represent clients who have sustained:
Severe dog bite injuries can be fatal. If you lost a loved one because of a dog bite or animal attack, our lawyers can help you seek fair compensation for wrongful death.
To recover damages in a personal injury case, you’ll have to prove that someone else was responsible for your injuries.
Dog bite injury cases are different from typical personal injury claims involving car accidents or slip-and-fall accidents. Like many other states, a “one bite rule” applies in the state of Texas.
Under Texas law, dog owners can be held strictly liable for injuries caused by a dog if they know the dog is dangerous. The law presumes that the owner knows about the dog’s vicious tendencies if the dog has bitten someone in the past. If the dog has never bitten before, you’ll have to prove the dog was vicious to seek compensation.
Unlike other states, Texas doesn’t have a special law that applies in dog bite cases. However, the state Supreme Court has provided guidance on the elements that a victim must prove to recover damages.
To recover compensation, you’ll have to prove:
Owners of dogs that are classified as “dangerous dogs” in Texas are subject to additional requirements. They’re required to register the animal and keep it restrained at all times. Owners who fail to comply can be held liable for resulting damages.
Yes. Not all dog bite claims are based on strict liability. Dog owners can also be held liable if they’re negligent and their dog bites someone. Negligence is a failure to exercise reasonable caution under the circumstances.
There are many different ways to prove negligence. A dog owner may be negligent by:
It’s also possible that your injuries happened because someone other than the dog owner was negligent. If a pet sitter, groomer, or veterinarian was negligent in caring for the animal, they could also be liable for dog bite injuries.
We know things can be overwhelming in the aftermath of an injury, especially if the victim was a child. Still, you shouldn’t wait to take legal action. Texas laws only give dog bite victims two years to file a personal injury lawsuit for damages. Once the two-year statute of limitations runs out, you lose your right to pursue compensation.
If you were bitten by someone else’s dog, it’s important to speak with a lawyer who can help you understand your legal options. Call our Austin dog bite lawyers at FVF Law Firm – Injury & Wrongful Death Lawyers today. We offer a no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.
Seek medical attention immediately, as dog bites can lead to infections or serious injuries. Report the incident to local animal control, document your injuries, gather information about the dog and its owner, and consult an attorney to understand your legal rights.
Yes, even if the dog has no prior history of aggression, you may still have a valid claim, especially if the owner was negligent (e.g., failing to control the dog). Texas law requires careful analysis of the situation, which an experienced attorney can assist with.
Victims of dog bites may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any psychological impact caused by the attack. In severe cases, you may also recover damages for future medical treatments.
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury claim. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible ensures that all deadlines are met and that evidence is preserved.
Yes, you can file a claim even if a friend or family member’s dog caused your injuries. In most cases, compensation will come from their homeowner’s insurance policy, not from their personal finances.
A lawyer can gather evidence, assess liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. They can also ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries, expenses, and emotional trauma.
