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Dogs make great companions. However, they can be extremely aggressive to strangers and familiar faces alike. When an animal attack, especially one involving a dog, occurs, the aftermath can be traumatizing. Beyond the physical injuries resulting from bites, victims usually suffer untold emotional trauma that often alters their way of life.
When you or a loved one falls victim to a dog attack, immediate medical assessment and treatment are vital. Besides safeguarding your overall well-being, seeking treatment also sets the stage for legal action against the dog owner, which is when you could benefit from the guidance of a Santa Fe dog bite lawyer.
Our team at Lone Star Personal Injury Attorneys is available to discuss your injuries. We have the experience and resources to investigate your claim and explore relevant personal injury laws to your advantage.
Our Santa Fe personal injury lawyers believe in justice for all, and we spare no effort until it is served to all deserving victims. Reach out today to get started.
Do I Have a Case?
If you have been injured in a dog attack, you have a case. However, your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and losses is dependent on whether you can prove negligence. By showing that someone else was to blame for the animal’s behavior, you hold them financially responsible for your damages.
A knowledgeable dog bite lawyer is an invaluable asset in determining the viability of your claim. They can assist in proving the following elements of negligence as they relate to your injuries:
Duty of Care
The first element of negligence you must ascertain in a dog bite injury claim in Santa Fe is that the dog owner owed you a duty of care.
This means that the owner was required to do everything reasonable to prevent the animal from attacking or causing harm. In Texas, dog owners are obligated to control their animals by leashing them whenever they are in public.
Breach of Duty
As the plaintiff, you carry the burden of proof to show that the defendant (at-fault party) breached the duty of care by failing to take necessary precautions that would prevent their dog from attacking you. Breach of duty in a dog injury claim often involves the failure of dog owners to secure or leash their animals.
Causation
Causation in a personal injury claim refers to the link between the breach of duty and the harm suffered. In this case, you must prove that the dog owner’s failure to secure or leash their dog directly caused your injuries.
A Santa Fe dog injury lawyer can prove causation by using surveillance footage, medical reports, statements from eyewitnesses, and expert testimonials.
Damages
Lastly, you must have suffered actual damages to file an injury claim. Damages in a dog bite case may encompass compensation for lost wages for missed work, medical expenses, emotional trauma, physical pain and suffering, and permanent disability, among other tangible and intangible losses related to the injuries.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Santa Fe, call (713) 429-0711
What to Do When the Dog Owner is Your Friend
One of the most common questions our Santa Fe dog bite lawyers get is whether injured victims can sue for injuries caused by familiar dogs. Our answer has always been in the affirmative.
Even if the dog that attacked you belongs to a friend or a loved one, you can still pursue compensation without straining your relationship.
Our experienced dog bite attorneys can resolve your claim without resorting to a lawsuit. We achieve this by engaging in negotiations with the dog owner and their insurance company. Many homeowners carry insurance policies that typically include coverage for dog bite incidents.
Consequently, our legal team will concentrate on pursuing compensation from the insurance provider instead of taking legal action against the owner directly. This approach ensures that you can seek justice without concerns about damaging your relationship with the dog owner.
Santa Fe Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (713) 429-0711
Maximizing Your Compensation is Our Ultimate Goal
A successful dog bite claim can result in compensation for various compensatory damages. A resourceful Santa Fe dog bite lawyer is essential for maximum reimbursement, especially when dealing with insurance companies. Our aggressive team will pursue compensation for:
- Lost wages for the time you missed work for treatment and recovery
- Past and future medical expenses
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
Damages in a personal injury claim involving a dog bite may vary. A comprehensive review of the damages you may be eligible to claim may be achieved by retaining our Santa Fe dog bite attorneys.
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Call Our Dog Bite Injury Attorneys in Santa Fe Today
At Lone Star Injury Attorneys, we aim to be The Gold Standard in Personal Injury™. What that means is we are compassionate, skilled, and dedicated to helping you recover from all of your losses.
Our team is ready to listen, offer resources, and begin your quest for compensation today. Call us to schedule a free consultation.
Call or text (713) 429-0711 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form