Dogs are man’s best friends. But what happens when a furry friend turns against you? Since over 38% of households in the US own at least one dog as a pet, hearing about dog-related injuries is hardly surprising. But there is a big difference between a playful scrape or a deep bite.
Puncture wounds, significant lacerations, and fractures can arise from dog attacks. A Corpus Christi dog bite lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins can assist you if you are a dog bite victim.
What is the Law in Texas for Dog Bites?
Some states adopt the one-bite rule, which stipulates that unless the dog has a past of biting at least one other person, the owner cannot be held accountable for the attack. But Texas does not observe this law.
The bite victim can file a negligence lawsuit in Texas even after just one bite. Negligence is the failure to act reasonably and prudently. In the context of dog bites, you will have to be sure that the cause of your injuries is negligence. Specifically, you must show the following:
- The defendant is the owner or guardian of the dog.
- The defendant has the responsibility to take precautions to prevent their dog from harming others, human or not.
- The defendant has failed to do their duty, causing their dog to bite or attack another human.
- As a result, the dog bite resulted in your injuries.
The court will dismiss your lawsuit if you cannot prove all of these criteria. Even if you are confident that the defendant is at fault, seeking legal assistance can help strengthen your chances.
For a free legal consultation with a Dog Bite lawyer serving Corpus Christi, call 877-239-4878
How a Dog Bite Attorney Can Help You
Animal liability insurance covers policyholders if their dog or other pet causes damage or injuries to others. It is a type of third-party coverage, which means the insurance company would compensate others rather than the policyholder or their family members.
You can file a claim with the defendant’s insurer if they have this coverage. However, attempting to settle your dog bite claim on your own exposes you to insurance firms exploiting you in your moment of need. A dog bite attorney can assist you with a variety of complicated issues, including:
Evaluating What Happened
Your lawyer’s first step will be to investigate your accident. Our attorneys will:
- Obtain a copy of the accident police report
- Review any videos or images
- Contact any relevant witnesses to the accident
- Establish who is responsible
Making an Argument for Your Dog Bite Claim
One of the most time-consuming aspects of the process is putting together your dog bite injury claim. Your lawyer can establish a complete medical record of the injuries you have experienced from your accident once you have finished receiving care for your injuries.
Negotiating an Agreement
Your attorney will send a compensation request to the at-fault party’s insurance. Following that, your attorney and the insurance company will begin negotiating. In most cases, the legal steps necessary to get claimants compensated will stop here. However, if we cannot reach an agreement, we are prepared to move forward.
Filing a Dog Bite Lawsuit If Necessary
If we cannot settle your dog bite case out of court, our lawyers are ready to fight in court on your behalf.
Keep in mind that litigation is the most time-consuming step in the claim process, potentially prolonging the life of your claim by one or two years. If you decide to bring a case, be aware that you may have to appear before a judge and jury.
Corpus Christi Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me 877-239-4878
Steps To Take After a Dog Bites You
When you employ a lawyer, you can expect that they will go to any length to ensure that you are justly rewarded–the more money you recover, the better it is for them. However, to ensure that your lawyer can build a solid case more efficiently and faster, here are a few steps you can take:
1. Get Medical Help
You should seek medical attention for a dog bite as soon as possible. Even if the damage appears to be slight, it is critical to have it treated by a doctor to avoid infection. Seeking medical help straight away will also help you tremendously when you have to deal with the defendant’s insurance company.
Ensure that you continue to receive all medical treatment suggested by your doctor until you have obtained maximum medical improvement. If you do not keep up with your medical treatment, the insurance company may deny your claim.
2. Call the Police
Depending on your city, you may need to notify law enforcement or animal control officers. A police or animal control report will be helpful for insurance purposes and to establish a timeline of events. Animal control may also be able to determine if the animal is sick or a threat to the community.
3. Collect and Preserve Pieces of Evidence
A dog bite injury victim can seek to obtain several forms of evidence. A few examples include:
- Photographs of the injuries and where the dog bite occurred
- Clothing or items damaged due to the dog bite
- Names and contact information for witnesses of the attack
- Record everything you can remember about the attack
- Save any receipts for damages or bills from medical expenses
4. Hire a Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bite victims should contact a lawyer as soon as possible following the attack. An attorney can intervene and handle all communications with the other parties. We can also recommend what type of medical help to get if you are still unsure.
Contact our Corpus Christi Dog Bite Attorneys today
Contact a Corpus Christi Dog Bite Attorney for a Free Case Review Today
We realize how difficult it can be to afford an attorney after suffering an injury. It is especially true if you are dealing with medical bills and maybe lost pay. At our law firm, we accept contingency-fee claims. Our clients will not be responsible for any money or legal fees until we have successfully recovered compensation for their losses.
Contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins today to have a Corpus Christi dog bite lawyer review your case for free. They can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Call or text 877-239-4878 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
