If you or a loved one was recently bitten by a dog, you need to build a solid evidence collection that proves your right to financial recovery. A Dallas dog bite lawyer will collect photos, videos, witness statements, and police and animal control records that substantiate your case.
It can be a difficult undertaking on your own, but your lawyer can collect the evidence that is crucial for building a strong dog bite case. They will also collect evidence that supports the value of your compensation request. In addition, your legal team will sort and organize your evidence and submit it to the at-fault dog owner and their insurance company on your behalf.
Crucial Evidence for Proving Negligence in a Strong Dog Bite Case
To recover damages from the owner of the dog that bit you or your family member, you or your lawyer have to prove their negligence. You may also have to prove the dog was known to be dangerous, according to Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.041.
You also have to define the dog owner’s responsibility and the steps they took to secure their animal, according to Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.005. A local attorney can bring a team of investigators and resources to your case.
Animal Control Reports Can Contain Information About the Dog and Its Owner
Animal control records can play an important role in your case. They can tell you and your legal team the dog’s bite or other incident history, owner and registration details, and the history of notifications made to the owner.
According to Texas Health and Safety Code §826.041, this report is mandatory if the dog bite could lead to rabies, even if you do not know or cannot ascertain the dog’s medical history or vaccination records. In addition to supportive evidence, it can also protect your health and the health of others.
Your lawyer will obtain these records for you.
A Police Report Can Capture Critical Dog Bite Incident Details and Narratives
A police report or a report to another official agency can be crucial to your dog bite case. If police have any reports about the dog’s previous behaviors or your own incident, a lawyer can use these to support your claim.
Photos and Videos in Your Dog Bite Case
Some forms of evidence can be emotionally triggering for the injury victim. The lawyer handling your case will collect photos of:
- Your wounds and injuries
- The dog in question
- The accident scene
They will also collect smartphone and security video from passersby, witnesses, and building-mounted cameras. Where available, they also request police-generated photos and video footage.
Medical Records That Describe Your Dog Bite Injuries and Their Severity
Your emergency and follow-up medical records can substantiate the extent of your injuries. They also prove the dog bite was the cause of your injuries, and what kind of medical care you’ll need to recover.
Witness Statements That Provide an Objective View of the Dog Bite or Attack
Witness observations can be essential in a personal injury case, particularly one like a strong dog bite case where chaos a fear can lead to confusion. Witnesses can provide impartial statements from varying points of view.
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Evidence is Crucial to Support Your Claim for Damages in a Dog Bite Case
In addition to proving negligence in your case, you also have to prove the monetary value of your requested damages. Your lawyer will request and obtain all the evidence your case requires. While they do, you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery or on helping a loved one through their recovery.
Medical Bills That Describe Your Current and Future Treatment Costs
Your lawyer will collect medical bills from every healthcare professional and facility where you were treated. This includes on-scene emergency care, ambulance, emergency room, hospital, rehabilitation, long-term therapy, and medication.
Employment and Salary Records That Serve as Proof of Your Lost Income
Evidence that proves the value of your lost wages can include paycheck stubs and direct deposit records. They can also include business statements, tax records, and other financial documents.
Receipts That Document the Value of Your Damaged or Lost Personal Property
A bite or attack from a dog can be startling and frightening. It can cause you to drop property or it can be snatched or mauled by the dog. Your lawyer will collect bills, estimates, and invoices that demonstrate their repair or replacement value.
How a Comprehensive Evidence Collection Supports Your Dog Bite Case
A strong case can prove the cause of your dog bite, prove you did not provoke the dog, and prove the value of your compensation request. It can also help your dog bite attorney steer your case toward a settlement versus a potentially lengthy trial.
The weight of your collected evidence can also help maximize your personal injury settlement. Your lawyer will also consult relevant medical, animal behavior, and other experts and obtain testimonials that support your right to financial recovery.
Law Firm Have a Limited Time to Gather Evidence and File a Lawsuit
Your dog bite lawsuit must be filed with the time constraints of Texas’ statute of limitations. It generally gives you two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, according to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003.
Your legal team can identify the subtleties of the filing deadline, its specific application to your case, and how it can be tolled or extended if the dog bite victim was a minor.
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Our Dog Bite Team Will Review Your Case for Free
If you or someone you love was bitten or attacked by a dog, you could be entitled to financial compensation. You do not have to fight for it on your own. One of our team members will review your case at no cost or obligation to you or your family.
Learn more about what evidence is crucial for building a strong dog bite case by contacting our consultation team at Loncar Lyon Jenkins.