Dogs bite approximately 4.521 million people in the USA annually, and about 26% of victims are children.
Sadly, although some cases of dog bites are treatable, some end in fatalities, just like the case of Deann Stephenson, who was attacked viciously by a pack of dogs in Porter, Texas. Even when they are not fatal, a dog bite can result in emotional distress and mental anguish.
If you or someone you love has suffered a dog bite injury, a Dallas personal injury lawyer can help negotiate compensation to cover your medical bills.
This type of case is not always straightforward. So, we at our firm, would like to take this opportunity to educate you on what to expect in a dog bite settlement.
In Texas, there are two types of dog owners who are recognised by the law:
Per SEC. 7-4.14A of the Dallas city code:
“A person commits an offence if the person is the owner or keeper of a dog and the person fails to secure the dog and the dog makes an unprovoked bite that causes bodily injury to another person, legally restrained domestic animal, or livestock, that occurs at a location other than the owner’s or keeper’s real property or in or on the owner’s or keeper’s motor vehicle or boat.”
According to this statute, a dog owner is liable when their dog bites another person.
If there’s bodily harm to the bite victim, this kind of negligence is a 3rd-degree felony, punishable with ten years in jail. But if it results in death, it becomes a 2nd-degree felony, punishable with 20 years in prison. But if the victim needs no medical attention, the owner is charged with a misdemeanor.
Just like every other personal injury case, you must prove negligence. And to prove negligence, the bite victim must show that:
Only after proving negligence in this way can you hold a dog owner liable.
What you do after a dog bite is essential in getting a settlement when you sue a dog owner.
After a dog bite, you should:
We will help you file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the dog owner.
The potential damages you can file for include:
Suppose you decide to file an insurance claim. In that case, our personal injury lawyers will work with you to get the owner’s insurance policy, file a claim, and negotiate with the insurance adjuster to bring you an adequate settlement.
And if we fail to reach an agreement, we will proceed to file a lawsuit.
If you file a lawsuit, you will get punitive damages.
Punitive damages do not cover your losses like the damages above.
Instead, a jury will give you punitive damages if it is proved that the dog owner acted with gross negligence, fraud, or malice.
But if you’re filing a civil suit, you must do so within two years of the incident. According to Texas law, the statute of limitation for dog bite cases is two years.
The amount depends on several factors. They include:
As you work with Dallas personal injury lawyers at our firm, we will work to ensure you receive a sufficient amount through an insurance claim or lawsuit to cover every damage you may have incurred as a result of the attack.
our firm is a law firm experienced in personal injury, including dog bite cases. We will work with you to get fair compensation for your damages.
Contact us now for your free consultation, or call us at 214-295-2900.