It is generally not necessary to go to court to resolve a dog bite case. Most personal injury cases are resolved with a settlement. A Dallas dog bite lawyer can help you understand how these cases typically work. They can also investigate your case and build a strong evidence file that can lead your case toward a settlement rather than a trial.
If a dog attacked you or someone you love, its owner’s insurance company will require proof of its policyholder’s liability. Your lawyer will build a comprehensive case file that aims to prove the cause of the bite and the financial consequences you incurred. Most personal injury law firms will review your case at no cost to understand its merits.
You May Recover Economic and Non-Economic Damages After a Dog Bite
Understanding all the damages you are entitled to recover in a dog bite claim can be challenging without legal assistance. When a personal injury lawyer represents you, they can ensure you seek a fair settlement by documenting your compensation request.
The damages your dog bite attorney demands on your behalf can include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Current and future lost wages
- In-home medical and domestic aide
- Property damage or destruction
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
To obtain fair compensation for you, your lawyer will build a case file that proves negligence or strict liability. They will also communicate with the insurance company and other involved parties on your behalf, which can help you avoid making verbal or written statements that could harm your case.
Your Family May Recover Wrongful Death Damages for a Fatal Dog Bite or Attack
While nothing can atone for losing a loved one in an unexpected tragedy, you can request compensation for the financial havoc such a loss can leave. Your wrongful death lawyer can fight for the following wrongful death damages for your family:
- Costs of your loved one’s final arrangements
- Loss of your loved one’s financial support
- Loss of your loved one’s household support
- Loss of consortium, guidance, and companionship
In most cases, the deceased person’s parents, spouse, and children can recover damages, per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.004. If you depended on your loved one for financial support, you might also be entitled to damages. The best way to understand your right to compensation is to review your case with a team member at a local law firm.
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Your Dog Bite Case Could Settle Without Going to Court
Most dog bite cases will settle out of court based on evidence indicating strict liability or negligence. To reach a settlement agreement, your lawyer will:
- Field all monetary offers made by the insurer
- Weigh the pros and cons of each settlement offer
- Make appropriate counteroffers as needed
- Guide you toward a well-informed final decision
Your personal injury attorney’s goal is to achieve the best possible financial outcome for you. If yours is one of the rare cases that goes to court, your lawyer will represent you in front of the judge and jury. They will prepare evidence and exhibits, conduct depositions, and prepare you and any witnesses to testify.
You Could Have as Little as Two Years to File Your Lawsuit
The personal injury and wrongful death statute of limitations is generally two years from the date the dog bite occurred, according to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. Some factors can alter the dog bite lawsuit filing deadline, including:
- The age of the dog bite victim
- Evasive actions by the dog’s owner
Filing too late could mean not being allowed to file at all. It could also mean the immediate dismissal of your lawsuit. To help you avoid the costly consequences of an expired statute of limitations, your dog bite injury attorney will examine your case and provide an accurate interpretation of the deadline.
How Legal Guidance and Support Protects Your Rights as a Dog Bite Victim
In some cases, you do not have to prove the dog owner was negligent. This is usually the case when the owner was aware of the dog’s previous history of aggression or dangerousness. In this situation, the owner is strictly liable for their animal’s actions.
However, if the dog has no history of biting or attacking, you may have to prove negligence to win compensation. To do so, your lawyer will gather evidence to prove the elements of negligence—duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
To avoid liability, the dog’s owner or their legal representative may allege that you knowingly or unknowingly provoked the dog. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, this allegation, if proven, could decrease or eliminate your potential compensation. Your lawyer can clarify each scenario and refute any assertion that your actions contributed to the dog bite incident.
The Cost of Hiring a Law Firm to Deal With the Insurance Provider
No one should go without legal service and support when they need it most. If the cost of hiring a lawyer concerns you, choose a law firm that will accept your case on a contingency fee basis.
This fee agreement means the law firm will cover all costs associated with obtaining evidence, conducting their investigation, and consulting experts and specialists. In fact, you will pay no upfront fees or costs. In addition, if you do not receive a financial award, you will not owe the law firm any legal or attorney’s fees.
800-285-HURT (4878)Available 24/7 | 356 Days | se habla español
Get Help Resolving Your Dog Bite Case
You will likely not have to go to court to resolve your dog bite case. Your personal injury lawyer can help you build a case for financial compensation and fight for a fair settlement.
You do not have to pursue damages alone. Learn more about the settlement negotiation process by contacting our consultation team at Loncar Lyon Jenkins for a free review of your case.