If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog in Houston, you may be eligible for substantial compensation from the pet’s owner. Texas has very strict laws holding dog owners liable for damages caused by their pets. The owner of the dog who injured you should pay all of the costs associated with that injury – including your noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering.
Our Houston dog bite lawyers at Loncar Lyon Jenkins can collect the evidence we need to show that the owner of the dog is responsible for the injuries caused by the bite. We can put together a claim on your behalf and pursue the full and fair compensation you may be eligible to receive. 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.
After a dog bite injury in Houston, call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation at 800-777-7777.
Texas Dog Bite Liability
Texas law (Section 822.001) is very strict and very specific in regard to 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.
It is a crime in Texas for a dog owner to intentionally set loose an aggressive animal on a person to injure them. It is also a criminal offense to allow a dog you know has aggressive tendencies to roam free without supervision or restraint. If you were bitten by a dog in either of these scenarios, the owner is likely 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.
With that said, 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 in a dog bite situation, the exception being one where you were breaking into the owner’s house or actively carrying out a crime against the owner.
In particular, we can make a clear and compelling case for liability against the owner in two situations:
The Dog Has a Documented History of Aggressive Behavior
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, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Even if you approached the dog to pet it in public without the owner’s permission, we can still hold them liable for your injuries, as it is ultimately their responsibility to protect others from a dog with known aggressive tendencies.
The Dog Was Not Properly Restrained and Supervised
In Texas, dog owners must keep their animals restrained and must supervise them when in public. A dog may roam free on its owner’s property as long as there is a secure fence separating the property from the surrounding area. While walking the dog in public, the owner must have the animal on a leash and must keep an eye on it at all times, especially when in close proximity to other people.
There are a few notable exceptions to the leash rule, perhaps the most obvious being dog parks. In such areas where a section of land is cordoned off for dogs to roam free, they may do so, but that does not remove the owner’s liability to supervise their animal and make sure it does not hurt anyone.
The Houston dog bite lawyers at Loncar Lyon Jenkins can pursue compensation from the owner of the pet and from their insurance company. To discuss the process and what to expect, call a member of our team today at 800-777-7777 for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Houston, call 800-777-7777
Your Houston Dog Bite Injury Compensation
A dog bite injury can lead to serious medical complications and require extensive care, even if the dog was not large or powerful. When we conduct your free case evaluation, we will look at your medical bills and other documents associated with your injury, and we will tabulate the full slate of damages you have incurred – including those that cannot be quantified in dollar terms, such as pain and suffering. We will let you know what your case is worth and what to expect.
You may be eligible for a settlement or award that compensates you for the following and more:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and inconvenience
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
Houston Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me 800-777-7777
The Statute of Limitations
Texas has a two-year statute of limitations on dog bite injury claims, but the time you have to take legal action may vary based on the unique circumstances of your case. A lawyer from Loncar Lyon Jenkins can inform you of your rights and obligations and can take quick action if necessary, to keep the statute from expiring.
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Call a Houston Dog Bite Lawyer for a Free Case Evaluation Today
A Houston dog bite lawyer at Loncar Lyon Jenkins is ready to get to work for you today. We can help you recover compensation based on the facts of your case, and you do not owe us a fee unless we secure a fair settlement on your behalf. For a free consultation, call us today at 800-777-7777.
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