Texas Dog Bite Lawyer

A Reliable Texas Dog Bite Attorney

Dogs are called “man’s best friend” for a reason, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be dangerous. Dog attacks can cause serious injuries, and those dog bite injuries can lead to high costs and considerable suffering. If the owner of the dog that attacked you should have done more to prevent the attack, then you may be owed financial compensation for your losses.

Dog bite cases can be especially difficult to navigate due to the sensitive nature of these sorts of attacks and the difficulty posed by proving fault. Dog bite victims should consider seeking help from an experienced dog bite lawyer to ensure that their rights to compensation are protected. 

Here at The Lopez Law Group, our Texas dog bite lawyers are ready to help you seek justice after a dog bite or animal attack. No matter what sort of domestic animal caused your injuries, we can help you pursue a claim for relief. The Texas dog bite attorneys at The Lopez Law Group have the expertise and experience you need to seek justice from a dog owner after an attack.

How Can an Animal Attack Lawyer Help Your Dog Bite Case?

Investigate Your Case

We can find evidence supporting your version of events and investigate exactly what happened in your dog bite case.

Negotiate a Settlement

Make sure you get full compensation for everything you may be owed with a Texas dog bite lawyer by your side.

Represent You at Trial

Most cases are settled out of court, but we can represent you at trial if you can’t settle with the dog owner.

Formulate a Legal Strategy

Every animal attack case is different, but we have the expertise needed to create a strong strategy for your case.

Defend Your Rights

If your animal attack was caused by a pet owner’s failure to prevent it, you may have a right to compensation.

What to Do After an Animal Attack

After a dog attack or other domestic animal accident, you must take steps to protect your safety and your rights to compensation. If you’ve suffered a dog bite injury, follow the steps below to start your case off on the right foot:

  • Seek Medical Attention – A dog bite victim should seek medical attention as soon as possible to protect their health and to document the injury.
  • Identify the Dog Owner – As soon as you can, identify the dog’s owner, and get their contact information.
  • Report the Attack – Report the attack to animal control, providing as much information as possible.
  • Gather Evidence – Make an account of what happened and take pictures of any contributing factors.
  • Contact a Dog Bite Attorney – Getting help from a dog bite lawyer can be essential to getting the relief you need.

 

A dog biting someone's hand

How Common Are Dog Bites in Texas?

If you live in Texas, you need to know about your rights to compensation. It’s especially important for Texans to know about their rights because of the relative likelihood that they may be involved in such an attack. In 2023, Texas was ranked number 2 state for dog bites in the country, following only California.

In 2023, there were a total of 411 dog bite incidents reported, a 2% increase over the year before.

Out of all Texas cities, Houston saw the highest number of dog attacks, followed by Dallas and then San Antonio. Austin ranked 8th in the state for dog bite incidents.

How Much Is My Dog Bite Claim Worth?

If dog owners are found liable for the harm caused by an attack by their pet, then they may be responsible for compensating victims for the expenses and suffering they face. If you’ve been attacked by a dog, then you may be able to file a dog bite injury claim against the dog owner in order to get compensation. A dog bite settlement may include the following types of damages.

Economic Damages

  • Lost wages
  • Current medical bills
  • Future medical expenses
  • Reduced earning power
  • Funeral expenses

Non-economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering
  • Disfigurement
  • Emotional anguish
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Reduced quality of life

When Can an Owner Be Held Liable for Dog Bites Under Texas Law?

Under Texas dog bite laws, dog owners are only legally responsible for dog bites in certain circumstances. First, a dog owner may be found strictly liable for dog bites based on the one-bite rule. This rule states that an owner can be held strictly liable for a dog attack if the dog has a history of ever biting someone before.

Next, a dog owner may be held liable for a dog bite even if the dog has never bitten anyone before if the dog bite victim can prove that the owner’s negligence led to the attack and injury. This sort of negligence can be difficult to prove, so it’s important to seek assistance from an experienced dog bite attorney if your case doesn’t meet the one-bite rule.

A dog on a leash chewing on something

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim for Relief?

After animal attacks of any kind, victims will have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit for relief. If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite in Texas, then you will generally have two years to file a dog bite lawsuit for relief. However, if the victim was a minor at the time of the attack, then you may have until their 20th birthday which to file a dog bite lawsuit on their behalf. The best way to learn how long you have to file dog bite lawsuits is to speak to an experienced dog bite lawyer.

Why Hire The Lopez Law Group?

Fierce Representation

We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights to dog bite compensation, in negotiations or a court of law.

Bilingual Services

We’re proud to offer services in both English and Spanish as needed by our clients.

Consistent Communication

We will keep you in the loop about your case from start to finish.

Only Pay If You Win

We work on contingency which means we only get paid if and when you do.

Reliable Experience

With more than 15 years of experience in personal injury, you can count on Lopez for expertise.

If you’ve been injured by a domestic animal, get in touch with the Texas animal attack lawyers at The Lopez Law Group for help.

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