Pursuing Compensation for Victims of Animal Attacks

With the increasing number of dog-friendly eateries, stores, and outdoor spaces in Austin, it seems like dogs are everywhere you look in Texas. This might sound ideal if you love animals, but for some people, it can result in a trip to the emergency room after a serious dog bite. If this describes your situation, it’s important to get legal advice as soon as you’re on the path to healing from the bite.

At Mike Massey Law, we’ve spent years guiding clients through a variety of personal injury cases, including dog bite claims. If you’re wondering if you should take legal action after being injured by a dog, contact our Austin, TX law firm for a free case evaluation with experienced dog bites lawyers.

What Should You Do If You’re Bitten by a Dog in Texas?

Your first priority should be your safety, which means it’s essential to see a doctor as soon as possible after a dog bites you. If the puncture wound is particularly severe and you’re worried about blood loss, you or any witnesses at the scene should call for an ambulance to ensure it’s not life threatening.

If the dog bite injury isn’t severe enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room, you should still plan to see your doctor as soon as you can to prevent infection. In the meantime, consider remaining at the scene for a few minutes to collect evidence, such as taking pictures of your wound, the area where it happened, and the dog, if possible.

If the dog’s owner is there, ask for their contact information. If the dog’s owner is not there and you don’t know who they are, ask any witnesses if they know or can find out for you. You should also ask witnesses for their contact information in case your lawyer wants them to provide a statement for your claim.

Once you’ve gotten the necessary medical attention and are home recovering, you should contact Travis County’s Animal Protection program to report the bite. You should also call local personal injury lawyers to determine if you should pursue a claim. As you recover, take pictures of your wound at every stage of healing, and keep all medical documentation, such as treatment records and bills.

Of course, any situation involving a dog bite tends to be chaotic, so it’s understandable if you didn’t get a chance to take some of these steps. You might still be able to pursue a dog bite claim against the dog owner. Contact our Austin, TX law offices to learn your legal rights as a dog bite victim.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?

In general, the person responsible for the pet will be held liable in your claim. This is why it’s important to find out who the dog’s owner is, whether you were attacked in your own yard, in a public place, or while working on someone’s property. Once you have this information, your lawyer can bring a claim against the dog owner’s insurance company.

As you start your dog bite case, you should know how Texas laws handle animal bites. First, there is the one-bite rule, which says the dog’s owner may be able to avoid liability for the damages if they say this the first time the dog has bitten anyone. If there is evidence of a prior attack in the dog’s history, you can use it to show that the owner already knew they had a dangerous dog.

On the other hand, if you can’t prove that the dog injured someone in the past, you’ll have to initiate a negligence claim. To prove this, you must show that the dog’s owner had a duty of care to prevent the dog from harming others. You must also prove that they failed by not restraining the dog and allowing it to attack you, causing serious injuries. If you need help proving these elements, contact our law firm for legal assistance from experienced dog bites attorneys in Austin, TX.

What Damages Can You Seek for Your Injury?

Dog bites almost always require medical care, whether they’re severe or minor. This might involve an emergency room visit and surgery, or it could include bandages, antibiotics, and follow-up doctor visits to prevent infection. Either way, you will have medical expenses after the attack, which should not be your responsibility to pay. This is why your legal claim will request money for your medical treatment.

Your lawyer will also likely negotiate damages for lost wages if you had to miss work while healing from your wounds. If your clothing, jewelry, electronics, or other property suffered damage in the attack, you should also be compensated for this.

Your lawyer may ask the insurance company for additional damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, or disfigurement. After all, dog attacks can be traumatic and may lead to a lifetime of anxiety, PTSD, or fear of dogs, and you deserve compensation for these effects. Call our dog bites lawyers at our Austin, TX law firm to discuss your case today.

Are You Ready to Contact Dog Bites Attorneys in Austin, TX?

Dog bites can be extremely painful and even life threatening. You shouldn’t have to deal with both the pain and the financial costs of your wound when it wasn’t your fault. You deserve a chance to collect compensation from the person legally liable for the dog bite, and that’s what we can help with.

At Mike Massey Law, we’re committed to ensuring injured victims can afford their medical bills and any other costs associated with dog bites. If you’re ready to consider bringing a claim against the at-fault party, contact our Austin, TX law offices at 512-546-6997 for a free case evaluation.