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.

Common Causes of Dog Bites and Animal Attacks in Houston

Negligent Dog Owners

Many dog bite cases involve owners who fail to take proper precautions. A negligent dog owner may not secure their dog adequately, ignore warning signs of aggression, or allow the dog to roam unsupervised. Dog bite lawyers frequently see cases where negligent handling of a dog by its owner led directly to a dog bite incident.

Lack of Restraint or Control

Dogs that are not properly restrained, such as those allowed to roam off-leash, can pose a danger to the public. Most dog attacks on postal workers in Houston area happen because the dog was kept off leash. Our Houston dog bite attorneys have experience representing clients injured due to a dog not being leashed or fenced.

Aggressive or Dangerous Dog Breeds

While any dog can bite,. Certain dog breeds are often seen as more likely to bite due to their temperament or history of aggression. In cases involving these breeds, dog bite attorneys in Houston may help prove that the dog is dangerous and the owner knew about its aggressive tendencies.

Previous Incidents or Aggression

When a dog has a history of aggressive behavior or has previously bitten someone. Dog bite lawyers in Houston can gather evidence to show that the dog owner knew of the dog’s history.

Failure to Train or Socialize the Dog

Dogs that haven’t been properly trained or socialized may react aggressively in unfamiliar situations. If a dog owner neglects to train their dog or fails to control their behavior, this can result in a dog bite claim. In such scenarios, personal injury lawyers in Houston cite poor training as a factor while pursuing compensation for dog bite victims.

Provocation or Threat Perception by the Dog

Dogs can perceive certain actions, noises, or movements as threats, leading them to bite. However, if the dog owner’s negligence contributed to the incident, such as failing to control a dog known to react aggressively, they may still be liable, even if it is the first time their dog bites someone. Experienced Houston dog bite lawyers can demonstrate how the owner's actions (or inactions) contributed to the attack.

Dogs Protecting Property or Territory

A protective dog will attack if someone is near their owner's property. Even though the dog may have been protecting its territory, the owner may still be held responsible for failing to secure the premises. Dog bite attorneys can argue that the owner should have taken better precautions to prevent the dog from biting someone.

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.

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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.