Houston Dog Bite Lawyer

Canines are often referred to as “man’s best friend,” but everyone knows the damage a vicious dog can do. Unfortunately, it’s not even just aggressive dogs that can cause harm. Seemingly docile pets can get spooked or over-excited when they’re out in public, and this could lead them to inadvertently hurt someone.

When this happens, it’s often because a dog owner failed to reasonably control their pet while around others. In such situations, the owner’s negligence often leaves them liable for the financial recovery of the dog bite victim.

If you were bitten by an animal, you may be able to file a suit for compensation with the aid of a personal injury attorney from Houston. So long as you file within two years of the day the incident took place, courts will allow you to present your case.

Enlist the aid of a Houston dog bite lawyer to defend your rights and get you compensation for your losses. The Law Office of Denise Adkison-Brown will provide a free consultation to help you better understand your rights.

Understanding the “One-Bite Rule” in Dog Bite Cases

When a pet owner and dog bite victim face the legal consequences of an attack, the state often refers to the “one-bite rule.” This rule suggests that a victim may only receive compensation if the dog in question had bitten someone in the past.This rule has led to the common saying that “the first dog bite is free.” Essentially, it implies that the first attack alerts the dog owner to potential aggressive behavior in their pet.

Pet Owner Awareness of Canine Aggression

For liability to apply, the dog’s owner must have been aware of the pet’s history of violence. If the owner did not know—or the dog had never bitten anyone before—it becomes more challenging to prove responsibility.

Duty of Care and Liability in Dog Bite Cases

Civil law requires a party to fail in a duty of care to be considered liable. If a pet has no previous bite incidents, how could an owner know they had such a duty due to a dangerous animal?

Fortunately, the one-bite rule doesn’t automatically prevent victims from receiving compensation. An experienced animal attack attorney in Houston can evaluate whether the rule applies and explore other potential avenues for proving the owner’s negligence.

Unique Standards in Texas Dog Bites

The state’s one-bite rule permits all pets and their owners a single incident without penalties when it comes to unanticipated violent behavior. However, this allowance is relatively unique. Most states have canine bite statutes in place designed to immediately allow injured parties to file for compensation—regardless of the canine’s history, or lack thereof, of violence. This approach entered Texas law in 1974 due to a case involving injuries caused by an individual’s pet boar.

Because of this standard, it may be difficult for injured people to fight for compensation for their losses in certain circumstances. Fortunately, it is not impossible. People who have been injured in dog attacks have the right to discuss their legal options with a diligent animal bite attorney. Houston dog bite attorneys can help you better understand the unique factors in your case and how to best move forward.

Can Dog Bite Victims Recover Damages if a Dog Never Bit Anyone Before?

The simplest way to prove negligence in cases involving dog bites is to show that the owner had prior knowledge that their pet could hurt someone. It’s not even necessary for this proof to involve dog bite injuries. If the animal has previous incidents where they harmed humans in any way—even if they merely caused a broken wrist from jumping on someone in an overexcited state—such incidents can be used to prove liability.

Liability for dog bite injuries can also be shown, however, by proving the owner failed in a duty of care. For instance, a Houston dog bite lawyer may be able to show that a canine was roaming freely because the owner’s property wasn’t properly secured. Similarly, a failure to abide by leash laws while in public could serve as evidence of negligence. The following section will discuss how this process could play out in court.

Proving Negligence in Animal Attacks

Someone could fight for compensation following a dog bite in several ways. If there is no evidence of prior violence on the part of the canine, the claimant has the option to argue that an owner failed to control their dog and that this led to the ensuing attack. No matter how the incident unfolded, though, it must be proven that the defense:

Owned the dog in question
Owed the prosecution a duty of care
Failed to uphold that duty of care
Caused the claimant’s injuries through that failure

These are many of the same issues involved in any personal injury case. In fact, personal injury trial law has a much larger effect on some cases than Texas dog bite laws. It essentially comes down to the at-fault party acting negligently and causing another individual’s injuries. Dog owners have a duty to prevent their pets from harming others, and in some cases, this remains true even if there was no evidence their animal was a dangerous dog.

Speak with an Experienced Houston Dog Bite Lawyer

Don’t make assumptions about your case. An experienced dog bite attorney in Houston can provide legal advice on your specific situation and let you know if you have a valid dog bite claim. As we’ve already mentioned, though, there is a deadline for filing dog bite claims. Don’t risk continuing financial difficulties by failing to hold the negligent dog owner liable. Contact a skilled personal dog bite injury attorney today.

Do I Need a Houston Dog Bite Attorney?

An understanding of how the law handles a Texas dog bite can go a long way after you’re injured. In fact, it can come in handy if the dog owner’s insurance company calls and offers to take care of everything for you. They’ll likely sound very concerned with your well-being and ensure you everything can be handled without involving Houston dog bite lawyers.

Working directly with the insurer may seem like a sound strategy that can get you paid quickly. Unfortunately, an insurance company will rarely offer a settlement that takes into account the full losses caused by dog bites.

No matter what an insurance adjuster says, their job is to offer as little as possible for a dog bite injury. They understand just how costly these attacks can be, and they know that unexpected expenses can quickly arise in the future.

In fact, you may end up needing years of physical or mental therapy—and this might not become apparent for weeks or even months after the attack. An experienced dog bite lawyer will be able to provide a case evaluation and help figure out if you might face future losses.

Maximizing Compensation

While it may not seem fair, the simple fact is that dog attack victims typically receive higher settlement offers and court awards when they have legal representation. An attorney can help ensure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you, and if your dog bite case must be decided in court, an experienced trial lawyer is your best weapon.

Hiring a Houston dog bite attorney is a personal decision, but choosing not to can prove detrimental. If you lost a loved one in one of America’s few yearly fatal dog attacks, though, you should not hesitate to seek legal advice.

Common Houston Dog Bite Injuries

In Houston, like many urban areas, dog bites are unfortunately not uncommon and can result in a variety of common dog bite injuries. These injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma requiring medical intervention. Here are some common injuries from dog bites in Houston:

Puncture Wounds: Dog bites often result in puncture wounds due to the sharp teeth penetrating the skin. These wounds can vary in severity, but even minor punctures can lead to infections if not properly cleaned and treated.
Lacerations: Some dog bites can cause deep lacerations, especially if the dog applies significant force. Lacerations may require stitches or surgical repair, and they can leave permanent scars or disfigurement.
Soft Tissue Damage: Dog bites can cause damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the affected area. In severe cases, soft tissue damage may require surgical intervention or physical therapy for rehabilitation.
Nerve Damage: Dog bites can injure nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the bitten area. Nerve damage can have long-term consequences, affecting mobility and function.
Infections: Dog bites carry a risk of infection due to the bacteria present in the dog’s mouth. Common infections include cellulitis, which affects the skin and underlying tissue, and osteomyelitis, which affects the bones. Prompt medical treatment, including antibiotics, is essential to prevent complications.
Broken Bones: In severe dog bite cases, dog bites can result in broken bones, especially if the victim tries to defend themselves or if the dog is large and powerful. Fractures may require immobilization with casts or splints and, in some cases, surgical intervention.
Emotional Trauma: Dog bites can have psychological effects, causing fear, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the victim, especially if the incident was particularly traumatic or if the victim is a child. Emotional support and therapy may be necessary to address these issues.
Fatalities: While less common, severe dog attacks can result in fatalities, particularly if the victim is a child or if the dog is large and aggressive. Fatal dog attacks are tragic events with devastating consequences for the victim’s family and loved ones.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident in Houston, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately and report the incident to the authorities. You should also consult with an experienced Houston dog bite lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and pursue compensation for your damages and losses.

How We Can Help

Victims of dog attacks in Houston should never face the consequences of such traumatic events alone. At The Law Office of Denise Adkison-Brown, we understand the physical and emotional toll these incidents take on victims and their families. When you suffer from a dog attack, you deserve a legal team that stands by you and fights for your rights. Attorney Adkison-Brown and her dedicated team work tirelessly to help you seek justice and the compensation you need to recover.

By choosing The Law Office of Denise Adkison-Brown, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re partnering with a team that genuinely cares about your well-being. We take the burden of legal battles off your shoulders, so you can focus on your recovery. Don’t face the aftermath of a dog attack alone—let us fight for you and help you regain control of your life.

Discuss Your Case with a Dog Bite Lawyer in Houston

Dog bite injuries are painful and can leave lasting damage. After suffering such an attack, you are likely wondering what your next step should be. You’re no doubt facing significant medical bills and lost wages, and these losses could pale in comparison to the physical pain and emotional distress you’re going through.

Fortunately, you don’t have to face these challenges on your own. Houston dog bite lawyers can help you seek compensation by dealing with insurers and a potential trial—allowing you the necessary time to focus on healing.

Texas dog bite cases can be quite complex, so don’t hesitate to reach out to the Law Office of Denise Adkison-Brown today. Denise is a personal injury attorney that spent a decade working for insurance companies and at-fault parties, so she understands the strategies employed to try to minimize compensation to those injured by a dog attack. Contact us today by calling (713) 714-6206 for a free consultation. A dog bite injury attorney in Houston will review your case and help you understand the best course of action.