Man’s best friend can sometimes turn into his worst enemy; after all, a dog is an animal with an innate instinct to attack. In such a scenario, where a vicious dog attack results in injury, you can claim damages.
If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, you need a dedicated Houston dog bite lawyer who understands the complexities of personal injury law and can fight for your right to fair compensation. Our experienced Houston personal injury attorneys specialize in dog bite cases across Texas, helping victims navigate the legal process and secure justice. With a proven track record of handling even the toughest cases, our skilled dog bite lawyers are committed to holding negligent pet owners accountable, so you can focus on healing and reclaiming your life.
Why Choose The Lopez Group for Your Dog Bite Case?
If a dog in Houston bite or attack a human you have to contact a personal injury lawyer. When you need a dog bite lawyer in Houston, The Lopez Group stands out as the top choice. Our seasoned team, including some of the best dog bite accident lawyers and animal attack attorneys in Texas, is committed to delivering exceptional results. Here is why we are the best in business for injuries caused by a dog.
Proven Track Record: Our team of top-rated dog bite lawyers in Houston has a history of successfully handling dog bite and animal attack cases, securing favorable settlements and verdicts for clients across Texas.
Personalized Representation: We provide tailored legal strategies that focus on your unique situation and needs, ensuring you get the individualized attention you deserve.
Expertise in Dog Bite and Animal Attack Cases: Our experienced attorneys specialize in dog bite accidents, making us highly knowledgeable about the nuances and challenges of these cases.
Comprehensive Legal Support: We handle every aspect of your case, from evidence gathering to negotiations with insurance companies, so you can focus on your recovery.
No Win, No Fee Guarantee: Our commitment is to winning your case; you don’t pay unless we secure compensation for you.
Accessible and Responsive Communication: We maintain open lines of communication throughout the legal process, keeping you informed and addressing any concerns promptly.
Aggressive Advocacy: Our dog bite attorneys in Houston are known for being tough negotiators and fierce litigators, prepared to take cases to trial if necessary to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Compassionate Client Care: We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog bite can have, and we’re dedicated to providing support and guidance at every stage.
With The Lopez Group, you gain a strong advocate who’s by your side every step of the way.
Common Causes of Dog Bites and Animal Attacks in Houston
Negligent Dog Owners
Lack of Restraint or Control
Aggressive or Dangerous Dog Breeds
Previous Incidents or Aggression
Failure to Train or Socialize the Dog
Provocation or Threat Perception by the Dog
Dogs Protecting Property or Territory
Texas Dog Bite Laws: What You Need to Know
Understanding dog bite laws in Texas is essential for anyone who has been bitten by a dog or is considering filing a dog bite lawsuit. In Texas, dog bite law follows the “one-bite rule,” which may allow victims to pursue legal action if they can prove that the dog owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies or had prior knowledge of the dog’s behavior. Here’s what you need to know about dog bite liability, the legal definition of a dangerous dog, and how to pursue a personal injury claim in Houston, TX.
The “One Bite Rule”
Texas follows a modified “one-bite rule,” which means that if a dog has bitten someone before or displayed aggressive behavior, the dog owner may be held legally responsible for any subsequent attacks. Experienced dog bite lawyers can help prove that the owner knew the dog was likely to bite, which is crucial in establishing liability under this rule.
Defining a Dangerous Dog in Texas
Under Texas law, a dog may be classified as “dangerous” if it has:
- Bitten or attacked a person unprovoked, resulting in injuries.
- Shown aggressive behavior towards people without justification.
- Displayed a pattern of dangerous behavior that puts others at risk.
If the dog meets these criteria, the owner may be held accountable for injuries caused by the dog. Houston dog bite attorneys can help victims demonstrate that the dog was dangerous and that the owner failed to take appropriate precautions.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Dog Bite Case?
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite in Houston, it’s crucial to understand the types of damages that may be available for compensation. Working with a dog bite attorney in Houston can help you maximize your recovery by identifying all eligible damages. Below is a breakdown of the main categories of damages you may be able to recover in a dog bite case.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the quantifiable financial losses you’ve suffered as a result of the dog attack. These damages are intended to reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses and other monetary losses associated with the incident. Common economic damages in dog bite cases include:
- Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Property Damage
- Rehabilitation Costs
An experienced Houston dog bite lawyer can help you document and calculate these losses to ensure you recover the maximum amount available.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more challenging to quantify because they involve subjective losses that don’t have a direct monetary value. However, they are still a significant part of compensation in dog bite cases. Common non-economic damages include:
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Disfigurement
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Since these damages are not easily calculated, having a knowledgeable dog bite injury lawyer in Houston is vital for presenting a strong case.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the dog owner’s negligence was especially shocking. In Texas, this could apply if the dog owner knew that the dog had a history of aggression or if the dog had bitten someone before. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future. An experienced Texas dog bite lawyer can help determine if your case qualifies for punitive damages.
To recover these damages, it’s essential to file a dog bite claim in Houston. The claim process involves proving that the dog that bit you was not properly controlled by the owner and that you suffered actual damages due to the attack.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact our Houston dog bite lawyers as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation and discuss your options for pursuing compensation.
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Houston?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim is two years from the date of the incident. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to pursue compensation. It’s important to consult with a dog bite attorney in Houston promptly to ensure all legal requirements are met, and your claim is filed on time.
What If You’re Blamed for a Dog Bite Accident in Houston?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you’re partially at fault, as long as you’re less than 51% responsible. Dog attack attorneys can help you defend against allegations by proving the negligent handling of the dog or that the dog had a history of aggression. If you can reasonably believe that the dog owner failed to control the animal, you may still be entitled to damages.
How Much Does a Houston Dog Bite Lawyer Charge?
The Lopez Law Group dog bite attorneys in Houston work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay any upfront legal fees. With a no-win, no-fee policy, we only get paid if they successfully recover compensation for your case. Additionally, we offer a free case consultation to evaluate your situation and discuss potential legal options. This arrangement helps reduce financial risk for victims who need to hire a Houston dog bite lawyer to pursue justice.
How The Lopez Group Can Help with Your Dog Bite Case
The Lopez Group provides comprehensive legal services to victims of dog bites in Houston, from filing lawsuits and gathering evidence to negotiating settlements and representing clients in court. Our firm is dedicated to securing the maximum compensation for clients, covering all types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering. We work closely with clients to build strong cases against negligent dog owners and ensure that all legal deadlines are met, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.