Texas has very strict laws holding dog owners liable for damages caused by their pets. So, if a dog in Houston bites you or someone you love, you might be eligible for compensation from its owner.
A Houston dog bite lawyer at Loncar Lyon Jenkins will help collect the evidence needed to show that the dog’s owner is responsible for the injuries caused by the bite. Then, we will put together a case on your behalf and pursue the compensation you are entitled to. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only when you get paid for your injury.
Types of Compensation Available for Dog Bite Injuries in Houston
A dog bite injury in Houston can cause serious medical complications and require extensive care, even if the dog is not large or powerful. Therefore, when we conduct your free case evaluation, we will look at your medical bills and other documents associated with your injury.
Next, we will value the full slate of damages you have suffered – including those that don’t have an obvious monetary value, such as pain and suffering.
You may be eligible for a settlement or award that compensates you for:
- Current and anticipated medical bills
- Lost wages
- Future diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, and inconvenience
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
If a dog bit your loved one and your family member passed away from their injuries, you can request compensation for their losses. Recoverable damages could include medical expenses, burial and funeral expenses, and your loss of companionship, among others.
For a free legal consultation with a Dog Bite lawyer serving Houston, call 877-239-4878
How Our Lawyers Can Help You After You Suffered a Dog Bite in Houston
During your initial consultation, we will ask you questions about what happened and what evidence you have collected. We help dog bite victims, including you, understand all their legal options. If you decide to work with our firm, we will be your legal representatives and counsel throughout your dog bite case.
We will determine how much money you should get because of your dog bite incident. Whether you have broken bones, severe cuts, or other injuries, you deserve compensation to cover all injury-related damages.
We will serve you and your family on a no-win, no-fee structure, meaning there are no upfront or hourly fees when you hire our dog bite lawyers. Our dog bite attorneys in Houston will only take our fee when we secure a financial recovery for you.
Throughout the legal process, expect your experienced personal injury lawyer from the Loncar Lyon Jenkins team to:
- Keep you posted on changes in your case
- Review the other party’s insurance policy
- Collect evidence of negligence including witness statements and video footage of the bite
- Prove liability
- Manage all case-related communications
- Negotiate a settlement
- Comply with state deadlines
- Take your case to court if need be
Reach out to a bite injury attorney from Loncar Lyon Jenkins if you have any questions or concerns about the legal process or any of our services.
We Will Deal with Insurance Companies in Houston for You
Insurance companies often participate in Houston dog bite accident claims. Homeowners insurance, renters insurance, and dog bite liability insurance could apply to your bite-related losses.
Our attorneys will explore a dog bite claim and determine whether insurance coverage will cover your medical care, lost income, and other damages. Insurers may try to withhold the money you are entitled to, but our lawyers will hold all liable insurers true to their contracts.
Houston Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me 877-239-4878
Liability for Dog Bites in Houston, Texas
Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.001 is strict regarding dog owners and their rights and responsibilities. A dog owner whose animal bites or attacks another person is financially liable for the injuries that may result. In addition, a dog owner may be guilty of a crime in certain situations involving a bite by their animal.
Texas has various statutes that may be relevant to your case, such as the “one-bite rule.” We will explain these statutes to you, as they may be relevant to how we handle your case.
Unprovoked attacks in Houston demand justice. Our firm provides bite victims the legal service they need and deserve.
Dog Bites Might Count as a Criminal Offense
In Texas, it is a crime for a dog owner to intentionally set loose an aggressive animal on a person with the intent of injuring them. It may also be a criminal offense to allow a dog with aggressive tendencies to roam free without supervision or restraint.
If a dog bit you in either of these scenarios, the owner may be guilty of a criminal offense. While a criminal charge or conviction against the owner will not result in money in your pocket, it will make it easier for us to pursue a civil action against them, as the evidence bar is much higher in criminal court than in civil court.
We Can Pursue Damages Even If the Houston Dog Bite Was Not a Criminal Offense
An experienced dog bite attorney from Loncar Lyon Jenkins does not need a criminal conviction to pursue justice in Houston, though. In fact, we typically represent attack victims who won’t see the dog’s owner criminally prosecuted.
Financial compensation may be the only form of justice available to you, and we’ll work hard to ensure that justice is served. Even if the owner is not guilty of a criminal offense and does not face charges, we may still hold them liable for your injuries and resulting damages.
Contact our Houston Dog Bite Attorneys today
Common Situations That Call for a Lawyer to File a Dog Bite Case in Houston
Dog bites can occur for different reasons, and we generally advise clients to pursue legal action when:
The Dog Has a Documented History of Aggressive Behavior
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reports that if the dog that bit you has bitten others in the past, we can hold the owner liable – no matter the circumstances of your case. Your personal injury attorney from Loncar Lyon Jenkins will be familiar with this one-bite rule, and they’ll use it to their advantage.
Even if you approached the dog to pet it in public without the owner’s permission, we may still hold the owner liable for your injuries. Ultimately, it is the dog owner’s responsibility to protect others from a dog with known aggressive tendencies.
The Dog Was Not Properly Restrained and Supervised
In Houston, dogs cannot run “at large,” per Houston’s Code of Ordinances Sec. 6-101. A dog may roam free on its owner’s property as long as the dog does not have access to a sidewalk, street, or common area of a residential building (e.g., an apartment building). This also means that while walking the dog in public, the owner must have the animal on a leash.
There are a few notable exceptions to the leash rule, like dog parks. In such areas where a section of land is cordoned off for dogs to roam free, they may do so. However, that does not remove the owner’s liability to supervise their animal and ensure it does not hurt anyone.
An experienced dog bite lawyer from our firm will work to prove that the owner’s negligence directly caused you harm. This will be the key to securing the money you deserve for your damages.
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What to Do After a Dog Bite Injury
After a dog bites you, Mayo Clinic instructs injured parties to wash the infected area with soap and water and apply antibacterial cream. If the bite punctured the skin, seek prompt medical attention. When the injury goes untreated and starts swelling or oozing, it could indicate an infection or even rabies.
Getting medical treatment is crucial. It ensures that you are healthy and addresses your recovery needs. Furthermore, the medical institution can provide paperwork documenting your injuries. Such documentation can be compelling evidence for your experienced dog bite lawyer to use.
Take pictures of your injuries as well. Pictures can show what the injury looked like initially and how it got worse over time.
Medical professionals can give you recommendations about how to best care for a dog bite injury. For example, a doctor might have you take an antibiotic to prevent any infection and can advise you if you should be treated for rabies as a precaution.
Risk for Rabies:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that most incidents of rabies in the United States are not the result of dog bites. However, dog bites used to be a common source of rabies.
Find out if the dog that bit you had up-to-date vaccinations and follow up with any preventative treatment. We can help you secure such information, if necessary. Remember, your safety and health are the priority.
Long-Term Care
Whether or not you need long-term care will depend on where you got bit and the severity of your injuries. For example, if the dog bit your hand, you might have to go through occupational therapy to help you get back to normal levels of hand movements.
Severe dog attacks, including those to the face and neck area, may require cosmetic surgery. When we seek maximum compensation for your damages, we’ll account for any cosmetic surgery you will require.
The Statute of Limitations in Dog Bite Cases
Texas generally has a two-year statute of limitations for filing dog bite injury lawsuits. However, the time you have to take legal action may vary based on the unique circumstances of your case. Therefore, it is wise to get legal help early so that you do not miss any filing deadlines.
A dog bite injury lawyer in Houston can inform you of your rights and obligations and take quick action. But first, you must let us know about your dog bite case as soon as possible. Failure to file your case on time could keep you from collecting the compensation you deserve.
Your Houston Dog Bite Lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins Will Lead Every Step of Your Case
We are proud to help our clients in all sorts of personal injury cases, including dog bite incidents. We want you to focus on healing from your emotional and physical trauma. Here is what just a few of our clients have had to say after working with our law firm:
“They were professional, responsive, and definitely got the ball rolling with my case when my insurance continued to drag their feet. I was able to receive physical therapy, an MRI, and ex-ray at no cost thanks to Loncar. I was also very pleased with the outcome of my case.” ~N.D.
“Tony got me way more than I expected. He and everyone in the office were very polite. I was literally speechless when he presented the settlement amount to me. He is a busy man and responded to my every inquiry in a timely manner. Thank you Tony!” ~N.S.
“Hopefully I will never need to use them again, however if I do, I absolutely will use them again. It was a pleasure being a client. ~B.T.
Call in the Strong Arm Today for a Free Case Evaluation in Houston
A Houston dog bite lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins is ready to get to work for you today. Whether you pursue a bite claim, lawsuit, or any other action seeking fair compensation, let our experienced attorneys lead the way. We’ll work hard for money that covers medical care, lost income, cosmetic surgery, and any other damages resulting from your dog bite.
Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today for your free consultation. You pay no attorney’s fee unless we obtain a financial recovery for you.
Call or text 877-239-4878 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
