Anyone involved in a dog attack, including adults, may face unprecedented challenges in dealing with injuries suffered. Besides the financial difficulty that comes with medical treatment, victims often suffer emotional distress due to the trauma that follows an attack by a vicious animal.
Many victims suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health issues that sometimes result in a reduced quality of life and regular visits to therapists. At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we believe that no one should suffer such consequences due to someone else’s negligence.
Our Hitchcock dog bite lawyers help dog attack victims find justice for their injuries and related damages. Schedule a free consultation with our personal injury lawyers in Hitchcock today to learn more.
Dog Bite Statistics
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention(CDC), at least 4.7 million dog attacks are reported annually in the United States.
Unfortunately, many of these cases involve children who do not understand that these animals sometimes don’t like their tails pulled or being taunted with food. Others are just naturally aggressive.
Even if the children are playing with pet dogs, the results of a bite may be devastating.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Hitchcock, call (832) 449-8230
Fault in Dog Bite Cases
Liability in dog bite cases often falls on dog owners. However, the elements of negligence must first be established before you conclusively apportion fault. Working with a skilled Hitchcock dog bite lawyer is the only way this can be effectively achieved.
As the plaintiff, you must show that:
- The other party owed you a duty of care
- The duty was breached
- The breach caused your injuries
- You suffered damages
Besides using the elements of negligence to prove fault, your dog bite lawyer will also apply the Texas One-Bite rule in your case. This rule establishes liability by virtue of prior knowledge of the dog’s tendency to bite.
Therefore, it must be established that the dog owner was aware of their dog’s aggressive behavior and tendency to attack and injure, but failed to take the necessary precautions to avert foreseeable harm. For example, dog owners who know their pup may bite must leash their animals whenever in public.
Who Else Could Be at Fault for a Dog Bite?
Besides dog owners, other parties likely to be at fault include homeowners under premises liability and pet-sitters.
Enlisting a knowledgeable Hitchcock dog bite attorney is the best way to identify all parties likely to have contributed to the conditions or circumstances that caused your injury. Naming two or more parties as defendants in your injury case can greatly help in maximizing your compensation.
Hitchcock Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
What Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every personal injury case is different since the circumstances and damages of each claim are equally distinct. Partnering with an experienced Hitchcock dog bite lawyer allows you the opportunity to extensively evaluate your past and future damages as they relate to your injury.
Some of the financial recoveries that can be achieved in a dog bite case compensate damages such as:
- Medical expenses for laboratory tests, x-rays, medication, homecare, and more
- Lost wages for lost working hours
- Loss of future income in scenarios where one is disfigured or paralyzed
- Emotional distress, such as PTSD
- Physical pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life due to paralysis or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium and companionship
In cases involving a fatality, a select estate of the deceased may pursue financial compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one. Some of the parties eligible to file a wrongful death claim or survival action are parents, spouses, and children of the deceased.
A qualified Hitchcock dog bite lawyer will guide you on your eligibility for compensation and what is expected of you as the plaintiff in a wrongful death case.
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I’m Friends With the Dog’s Owner; What Do I Do?
Some dog attacks involve familiar animals. For example, you may be visiting a friend or relative only for their dog to attack and injure you. In such scenarios, it may be difficult to sue the owner owing to your close relationship.
Many people avoid seeking compensation to keep their relationships intact. Luckily, you may still get justice without hurting your relationship with the dog owner. Since most dog owners have home insurance, you may be able to take up your case with their insurance company.
An experienced Hitchcock dog bite attorney will guide you on how to go about dealing with insurance adjusters and getting the most out of your claim.
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Find Out if You Qualify for Compensation
If you were hurt in a dog attack, you do not automatically qualify for compensation. Your case must meet the requirements set under personal injury law. This means building a solid case that puts another party at the center of your injuries due to negligence.
Call Lone Star Injury Attorneys to discuss your eligibility and legal options with our Hitchcock dog bite lawyers.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form