You should reach out to a dog bite lawyer after the incident without delay. At most law firms, your initial consultation is free. This will allow you to ask questions, learn more about the law firm, and identify the merits of your case and your potential for financial compensation. The damages your Dallas dog bite lawyer can request include lost wages, medical bills, and more.
After a dog bite incident, it can take time to identify which insurance company to pursue, prove the bite was unprovoked, and meet the required filing deadline. Your lawyer will also need enough time to assess your damages and build a comprehensive evidence file. That makes hiring a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible an important part of the financial recovery process.
Texas Law Limits the Time You Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit
The statute of limitations is a mandatory time limit for your dog bite case. According to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003, you generally have two years to file your personal injury lawsuit. The clock starts running on the date the bite happened. If you do not take legal action before the deadline:
- You will not be able to file your lawsuit at all.
- The court will dismiss it without hearing its merits.
- You will have no further legal recourse against the dog’s owner.
The best way to understand the filing deadline and the penalties of filing too late is to let a dog bite attorney handle the process for you. They can also uncover any factors of your case that could change the statute of limitations.
The Sooner You Reach Out to a Dog Bite Lawyer in Your Area, the Better
A lawyer’s early intervention can do more than help you comply with the filing deadline. With sufficient notice, your dog bite injury attorney can investigate all possible insurance coverage, including homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies. It can also mean your legal team has time to take the following actions on your behalf:
- Collecting and preserving physical evidence
- Speaking to witnesses while their memories are vivid
- Filing your insurance claim, including all required forms
- Identifying and consulting with relevant expert witnesses
You should also seek immediate medical attention to treat your dog bite injuries. This is particularly important if the dog involved in your case is unfamiliar to you or its vet record is unavailable. Seeking medical care can help you avoid complications, the potential for rabies, and any worsening of your injuries.
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Legal Support Can Help You Avoid a Speedy But Insufficient Dog Bite Settlement
The pain, confusion, and emotional trauma of a dog bite can make the immediate aftermath a stressful and trying time. It can also create a financial strain when your injuries or caring for an injured loved one prevents you from working.
A dog bite injury attorney can help you avoid the temptation of a speedy settlement offer that comes too soon to allow for a comprehensive assessment of your recoverable damages. A crucial part of what makes a good personal injury case is a robust evidence file that proves the cause and the cost of your dog bite injury case.
Your personal injury attorney can also protect you from allegations that you provoked the dog. Any such allegation could decrease your financial recovery or bar you from receiving compensation, per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001.
Types of Compensation You Can Request for an Injury Caused by Negligence
Your financial recovery after a dog bite should compensate you for the costs you incur due to your injuries and recovery. Your lawyer will fight for a fair compensation package, including the following economic and non-economic damages:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Current and future lost wages
- Property damage or destruction
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Your lawyer will assess the value of your case, fight for the best available financial compensation, and clarify the potential timeline for settling your dog bite claim.
Texas Law Allows Specific Family Members to Request Wrongful Death Damages
Specific family members can request compensation for the loss of a loved one due to an animal attack. In most cases, this includes the decedent’s parents, spouse, and children, per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.004.
The wrongful death damages your lawyer requests may include:
- The costs of your loved one’s funeral and burial or cremation
- Your loss of their financial and domestic contributions
- Losses of consortium, companionship, guidance, and support
No family has to build a lawsuit on their own while dealing with an unexpected loss. Your wrongful death attorney will assess your family’s potential financial recovery. With their legal support, you can concentrate on coping with your loss and taking care of each other.
Avoid Saying or Signing Anything Until You Speak to a Dog Bite Lawyer
Your lawyer should review any documents or forms related to your case before you sign them. Similarly, you should allow your lawyer to handle all verbal, written, and electronic communication. The liable party’s insurance company could misquote or misconstrue anything you do or say, potentially harming your claim.
Until you have legal guidance, you should also avoid making social media posts about the incident, including photos. Also, avoid accepting new friend requests from anyone you don’t know.
You Do Not Have to Wait to Get a Dog Bite Attack Lawyer on Your Side
Personal injury law firms often accept cases like yours on a contingency fee basis, which does not require you to pay any upfront fees. This fee structure means you can reach out for legal support immediately after a dog bite.
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Contact Our Dog Bite Team Today for a Free Consultation
The days and weeks immediately after a dog bite or attack can be physically and emotionally draining. The state limits the time you have to file a lawsuit for compensation, so you should reach out to a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after the incident.
The sooner you do, the more time we have to investigate your case and build the strongest possible evidence collection. Contact our consultation team at Loncar Lyon Jenkins to get started on your case immediately. We are dedicated to providing excellent legal service to dog bite victims.