Edinburg Dog Bite Lawyer Protecting The Rights of the Injured Victims

If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, you are probably dealing with painful wounds and emotional trauma. The situation can be made that much worse if the victim is your minor child. Regardless of the victim’s age, dog bite wounds can be extremely dangerous as they can leave the skin open to infections.

If a dog has attacked you, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries, emotional distress, and lost wages if you cannot work. However, you must hire an experienced dog bite lawyer to thoroughly evaluate your case and determine your possible legal options. The best part is you pay no money unless we win your case.

If you need help filing a dog bite claim, contact the Brasure Law Firm, PLLC of Edinburg, TX, and ask to schedule a free case evaluation with a qualified legal team member immediately.

What is the Dog Bite Rule in Texas?

Texas follows the “one bite rule” regarding dog bites. The one-bite rule stipulates that the dog owner can be held strictly liable for a dog that is known to be dangerous. However, if the dog has never bitten anyone before, the individual making a claim must use clear and convincing evidence to prove the animal was dangerous to obtain financial compensation.

Some examples of a dangerous dog include the animal acting aggressively toward others or the owner failing to control their animal, which resulted in the victim being bitten.

However, dog owners should be aware that the “one bite rule” can be misleading as it does not mean they essentially get a free pass for the first time their animal attacks another person. Instead, the rule is intended to put them on notice that their dog tends to bite, and if it bites another person, legal action can be taken.

If you are still unclear about the Texas one-bite rule, contact our law office and ask to schedule a meeting to learn more about how we may be able to assist you.

How Do You Prove Liability in a Dog Bite Case?

Under Texas law, dog bite victims can file a dog bite claim if they prove strict liability or negligence by the animal’s owner. Either of these legal options can be used even if the dog did not actually bite, but the individual was injured from being knocked down during an attack or running away from a dog. The victim may also file a lawsuit if they suffered head, neck, or back injuries.

To prove a case using strict liability laws, the claimant must be able to demonstrate that the owner had knowledge their dog was aggressive but failed in their duty to keep the dog away from others.

To prove a dog owner was negligent, the claimant must demonstrate the dog owner failed to use reasonable care to prevent the attack and may include:

• Failing to restrain the dog properly.
• Failing to secure the dog properly.
• Failing to intervene and stop the dog from attacking.

Individuals that may be held liable in a Texas dog bite case include:

• The dog owner
• The dog’s caretaker
• A landlord
• Property owner

If a dog has bitten you, but you are still trying to determine who should be held liable for the damages you have suffered, contact Brasure Law Firm, PLLC, so we may provide more information.

Who Pays Compensation in a Texas Dog Bite Case?

Who ultimately pays compensation for a dog bite depends on where the incident occurred. For example, if a dog bite occurs at the owner’s private residence, the owner would typically be held responsible. In most cases, the homeowner’s property insurance will pay the victim for damages.

If the victim was bitten on a rental property, the dog owner and property owner could be held responsible, especially if the property management company approved the dog living there. In such cases, the victim could file a claim against the dog owner’s renter’s or property owner’s insurance.

Additionally, you may be able to use your personal health insurance to offset costs. However, not all plans cover dog bites.

Our law firm is dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered a dog bite or non-bite injuries recover the compensation they need to cover their medical expenses and other injury-related costs.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Dog Bite Attorney?

Many individuals do not think hiring a dog bite attorney to help them file a compensation claim is worth it. Unfortunately, however, many insurance providers try to assert the victim played a part in the attack by provoking the dog.

Additionally, Texas dog bite laws can be challenging to try and navigate independently and require legal training to fully understand. A skilled dog bite attorney can assist you with trying to recover financial compensation in the form of economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are awarded to reimburse dog bite victims for their out-of-pocket expenses and may include:

• Past and future medical bills, including physical therapy and rehab.
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage

Non-economic damages are granted to compensate the victim for intangible losses and are based on the circumstances of the case. Commonly awarded non-economic damages may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disfigurement and scarring

Our legal team will work with you to evaluate what your claim is worth and act as your legal advocate with the insurance company so you can focus on your recovery.

If you or a family member have suffered a dog bite injury, the Brasure Law Firm, PLLC, may be able to assist you in filing a claim to receive compensation for your injuries. We may also be able to help you file a claim if your dog or other pet was injured or killed as a result of the attack.

Contact our law offices at 956-903-2873 to schedule a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. Remember, you pay no money unless we win your case.