Waco Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
Dog owners have the responsibility to make sure their dogs will not cause harm to others. If you were seriously injured in a dog bite attack, we at the Law Offices of Vic Feazell, P.C. can help you make the at-fault dog owner responsible. After a careful an exhaustive investigation, we will determine if the lack of fencing or leashes was the cause and if the dog had a history of violence. In addition, we will determine whether or not signage was posted to properly warn passersby and visitors.
Dog bite attacks could lead to serious injuries such as:
- Nerve damage
- Scarring
- Laceration / Blood Loss
- Limb loss
- Bruising / Contusions
- Broken Bones / Fractures
- Infection
- Rabies
- Psychological trauma
Any one of these injuries could pose serious health threats to someone who is attacked by a dog. Sadly, many of them could simply be prevented if dog owners took more responsibility for the behavior of their pets.
To arrange a free consultation, call (254) 938-6885.
PURSUING JUSTICE FOR INJURED VICTIMS
Our Waco dog bite attorneys are known for being relentless when pursuing justice for injured victims. We have successfully recovered million-dollar settlements for the injured men and women who have sought our help. As soon as you enlist our top-notch services, we will begin crafting a personal injury claim that reflects your specific needs. Handling personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, we do not charge our clients legal fees unless we recover compensation on their behalf.
Under Texas’ comparative negligence law, the dog’s owner or their attorney can argue that you share some blame for the accident. If you are found partially at fault for the injuries you suffered, you may be able to still get compensation. Your damage award, however, will be reduced by the percentage that the attack was allegedly your fault.
What Compensation Can You Receive for a Dog Bite Claim in Texas?
In Texas, if you have been bitten or attacked by someone else's dog, you may be able to receive compensation for a variety of damages. Here are some potential types of compensation that you could be entitled to in a dog bite claim:
- Medical expenses: You may be able to recover the cost of medical bills, including hospital bills, doctor's visits, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover lost wages or income.
- Pain and suffering: You may be able to recover compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the dog attack.
- Disfigurement: If the dog attack caused scarring or other disfigurement, you may be able to recover compensation for the impact on your appearance.
- Property damage: If your property, such as your clothing or personal belongings, was damaged in the attack, you may be able to recover the cost of repairing or replacing the items.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, you may be able to recover punitive damages in addition to other compensation. These damages are intended to punish the dog owner for particularly egregious behavior, such as knowingly allowing a dangerous dog to roam free.
Deadlines for Filing Your Claim
Under Texas law, there is a statute of limitations set in place that establishes a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a dog bite. The state allows two years to file this kind of lawsuit which begins on the date the animal attack took place. If you do not file within this time, the court will dismiss your case and you will not be heard.
Texas’ One Bite Rule
There is no actual Texas statute that covers liability for dog bite cases. In Marshall v. Ranne, 511 SW 2d 255, though, the Texas Supreme Court adopted the dog bite law in the Restatement of Torts § 509. With this, Texas established that it is a “one bite rule” state for dog bites.
For a person to recover damages, they will have to show the following:
- That the dog’s owner knew that the dog had bitten someone at a prior time or acted in an alarmingly aggressive manner in the past.
- That the dog’s owner acted negligently in controlling the dog or preventing it from attacking, and that as a result, the plaintiff suffered injuries.
In order to recover damages under Texas law, you must be able to show that the dog’s owner was aware that the dog was aggressive. This may not be an easy factor to prove, which is why our firm is here to help!
READY TO TAKE ACTION? TURN TO THE LAW OFFICES OF VIC FEAZELL, P.C. FOR HELP.
If you are ready to file a claim after being injured in a dog bite attack, our firm is readily available to assist you. We can answer any questions you may have and provide you with the step-by-step legal guidance you need to navigate the claims-filing process. If you are unable to come to our office to discuss your case due to the seriousness of your injuries, we can come to you.
Contact our office today to learn more about how we can assist you.