Many homes in Texas have a dog, whether for security purposes or simply as a cherished pet for companionship. While most dogs are friendly and only show aggression towards intruders, there are instances where they can cause serious harm to innocent people. Tragically, dog bites can be both painful and emotionally traumatizing, particularly for children. It’s important to remember that these animals often act on instinct.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack on someone else’s property, you may be uncertain about your legal rights. Suffering harm doesn’t automatically mean that the owner is liable or that you qualify for compensation. To clarify your situation, it’s advisable to consult a Katy dog bite lawyer experienced in handling such claims. Our skilled attorneys at the firm understand the emotional and financial toll that a serious injury can take. Out of genuine concern for our clients, we dedicate our skills and resources to fight aggressively for your rights.
Understanding Your Rights
In personal injury cases, your entitlement to compensation often depends on the laws of the state where the harm occurred. In many states, including Texas, you must demonstrate that the defendant was at fault for your injuries, either through deliberate actions or negligence. If the defendant is found to bear at least 51% liability, they become responsible for the injuries sustained and any subsequent damages. To successfully pursue a claim, a knowledgeable Katy dog bite lawyer will need to prove the four fundamental elements of negligence:
- The defendant owed you a legal duty of care
- The defendant breached that duty
- You suffered harm as a result of that specific breach
- incurred losses due to the harm suffered
Establishing these elements is vital to winning your case. Without a strong case proving negligence, your pursuit of compensation could be thwarted. Thus, it’s crucial to hire a skilled personal injury attorney who understands what it takes to substantiate negligence in your specific situation.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Katy, call (832) 449-8230
Texas Laws Pertaining to Dog Bite Claims
In Texas, if a dog attacks and injures someone, the owner could face both criminal and civil charges. It’s essential to understand that criminal action, while pursued by a state attorney, does not provide compensation to the victim. For that, you must initiate a civil case through the court system or negotiate with insurance companies.
Under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 822.005, a dog owner may be charged with a felony in the following circumstances:
- If they fail to secure the dog, and it attacks someone away from the owner’s property without provocation
- If they know their dog is dangerous and still fail to secure the dog while off their property
- If any of the above situations result in death or catastrophic injuries
Navigating these specific legal scenarios can be complex. To accurately understand how the laws apply to your individual case, it’s advisable to consult with a seasoned Katy dog bite lawyer specializing in such claims.
Katy Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (832) 449-8230
Should I Sue or Settle My Dog Bite Injury Case?
For many victims of personal injury, including dog bites, the decision whether to sue or settle can be daunting. Some might choose to settle with insurance companies out of court due to a lack of legal knowledge or intimidation, while others might relinquish their legal rights entirely without consulting a lawyer. By engaging an experienced dog bite attorney, you can thoroughly assess your legal options for your specific case.
The initial and most common method of recovering damages in a personal injury case is through negotiation with insurance companies. Most cases reach resolution at this stage. Your attorney can guide this process to safeguard your rights against insurance adjusters. While you can certainly negotiate on your own, many insurance adjusters may try to persuade victims representing themselves to accept insufficient settlement offers. A specialized dog bite lawyer will prioritize your best interests and strive to secure complete justice for your injuries.
Should negotiations break down and an agreement with the insurance company is unattainable, you may opt to proceed to trial. It’s important to note that this process is more intricate and demanding compared to settling out-of-court. There are substantial paperwork and fees involved, along with the need to take depositions and present evidence before a judge or jury. The advantage of taking the case to court is that compensation is determined by an impartial jury of your peers.
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Choosing the Best Dog Bite Lawyer in Your Area
At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, our seasoned legal teams have successfully managed dog bite claims, assisting victims like you in obtaining the compensation they deserve, whether through negotiations or litigation. We are well-versed in both state and federal statutes related to such claims. To engage one of our Katy dog bite lawyers, please contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Call or text (832) 449-8230 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form