Dallas Dog Bite Injury Attorney

Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyer for Help with Your Case

Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the United States, but they send millions of Americans to the emergency room each year. Dogs have sharp teeth and strong jaws, which can easily injure a person when the dog bites them. At The Pennington Firm, we have met with many dog bite victims to discuss the pain and disability they suffer following an attack. We understand these are difficult injuries, and we want to know you have an advocate in us.

Contact our firm today. A Dallas dog bite attorney can meet for a free consultation. We will review whether you can sue and, if so, how much you might receive for a settlement.

Dog Bite Laws in Dallas, Texas

Dallas City Code § 7-4.14 makes it a Class C misdemeanor if a dog bites someone without provocation. Of course, this is a criminal law, but it does show how serious Dallas takes dog bites.

Dog bite victims can sue for financial compensation under the “one-bite” rule. This is a civil law. If a dog has bitten someone before, then an owner is on notice that their dog is dangerous. When the dog bites someone again, then the owner is strictly liable for any injuries.

Dog bite victims might also sue under a negligence theory. You can seek compensation if you prove the dog’s owner was irresponsible in restraining the animal which bit you. For example, the owner might have let the dog roam at will, and it bit you for no reason.

Dog Bite Settlements

Dog bites cause many problems, including:

• Pain
• Disfigurement
• Fractures
• Nerve damage
• Torn muscles and ligaments
• Infection

Dog bites often require expensive medical treatment, and some victims require admission to the hospital. The Pennington Firm can seek financial compensation for your bite, which should cover:

• Lost income if the bite prevents you from working
• Medical care and rehabilitation expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement and disability
• Reasonably certain future losses, like ongoing medical care or loss of earning capacity

Often, we submit a claim on the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. However, some insurance policies exclude certain dangerous dogs from coverage, in which case we might have no choice but to file a lawsuit personally against the owner. Let us investigate all options to determine the best one for your case.

The Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites

The statute of limitations lays out the maximum amount of time a dog bite victim has for filing a lawsuit. Currently, you have two years to sue. The clock begins on the day the dog bites you.

Please avoid delay. Victims who go over the deadline lose the ability to sue, and obtaining any compensation is virtually impossible. The dog’s owner can get away without being held accountable, even though you experience serious injuries.

Effect of Your Contributory Negligence

In Texas, a victim’s negligence matters legally. For example, you might not have paid attention to where you were walking, so you accidentally stepped on a dog’s tail. This causes the animal to clamp onto your leg.

Under the current law, a victim’s negligence will reduce compensation proportionally. If you were 33% at fault, you’ll receive 33% less in compensation. If you were more than 50% to blame, then you will receive nothing.

We also should mention trespassing. If you were bitten when trespassing onto someone’s property, then you might not receive compensation. It all depends on the facts of the case. Generally, owners are only liable to trespassers if the owner was grossly negligent.

The Benefits of Expert Legal Advice

Some dog bite victims might be tempted to handle their own claim. Unfortunately, obtaining compensation for a dog bite is complicated. It’s easy to make a mistake if you’ve never negotiated a settlement before.

Our firm provides immediate value to clients:

• Reduced stress. Let us do all the legal work while you rehab your injuries. We can fill out insurance forms, haggle with claims adjusters, and sweat the details.
• Larger settlements. A lawyer knows what evidence is helpful for maximizing a settlement. We also know the tricks insurance companies use to minimize their liability.
• Minimized errors. We will meet all deadlines to preserve your rights and protect your ability to go into court and file a lawsuit, if necessary.
• Look for a lawyer with a thriving personal injury practice, as well as experience with dog bite claims.

Call Our Dallas Dog Bite Lawyer for More Information

The Pennington Firm opened its doors with the goal of helping accident victims obtain compensation for their injuries. Contact us to find out more.