Dog Bite Accidents
Personal Injury
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McAllen Dog Bite Accident Lawyer
Dog owners rarely consider the possibility of dog attacks. Only a vicious or dangerous dog, they believe, will bite. However, any dog, even if they have never bitten before, can bite, and dog bite injuries can be severe.
If you have suffered a dog bite injury, the experienced McAllen personal injury lawyers at Higdon Law Firm are ready to get you the compensation you deserve.
How Do Dog Bite Accidents Happen in McAllen?
Texas law distinguishes three types of dogs that are likely to bite people: dangerous, aggressive, and public nuisance dogs. Dangerous and aggressive dogs are more likely to engage in unprovoked assaults, bites, and attacks.
Over half of the dog bites in unincorporated Harris County in 2016 were provoked. In general, the data showed that provoked dog bites were much more frequent than unprovoked ones.
Which Dogs Are More Likely To Bite?
According to research, pit bull breed dogs are more likely to bite. Importantly, pit bull bites are more likely to send dog bite victims to the hospital due to their extremely strong jaw.
Data from unincorporated Harris County on dog bites from 2013 to 2016 were analyzed to determine which breeds bit the most frequently.
The following were the top ten most frequent biters:
- Pit bulls
- Labrador Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Chihuahuas
- Boxers
- Belgian Malinois
- Dachshunds
- Rottweiler
- Australian Cattle Dogs
- Shih Tzus
Intact dogs were nearly twice as likely to bite as spayed female or neutered male dogs.
Common Types Of Dog Bite Injuries In McAllen
Depending on the size of the animal and the circumstances of the attack, dog bite injuries can range from moderate to severe to fatal.
Our attorneys are prepared to assist you in seeking compensation for all of your dog bite injuries, including:
- Broken bones
- Amputation
- Soft tissue injury, including puncture wounds
- Eye injury
- Brain injury
- Lacerations
- Infections
- Wrongful death if an attack is fatal.
Contact our McAllen, TX law offices to learn more about how our dog bite injury attorneys can assist you during this difficult time. Your initial consultation is complimentary.
How Long Do I Have To File A Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit In McAllen?
A dog bite victim has up to two years after an accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. The injured victim may be unable to recover the compensation they deserve after the two-year deadline has passed.
What If I'm Blamed For My Dog Bite Injuries?
Because some dog bites are provoked, it is critical to understand Texas comparative negligence law. A dog bite victim’s recovery will be hampered if they share some of the blame for their injury. A financial recovery will be barred if the victim is found to be 51 percent or more to blame.
However, contributory negligence does not apply if the dog’s owner was aware of or should have been aware of the dog’s proclivity to bite. That’s because Texas has what’s known as a “one-bite rule.” Once a dog has demonstrated a proclivity for aggression, the owner is solely responsible for any injuries caused by the dog.
What Do I Need To Prove In Order To Receive Compensation For My McAllen Dog Bite Injuries?
A person injured by a dog bite may be entitled to full damages if the dog owner was negligent in having to handle their dog or if the owner knew the dog had aggressive tendencies.
To recover damages after a dog bite in Texas, a person must demonstrate:
- The animal possessed an unusual ability to cause harm.
- Before the attack, the owner was aware of the animal’s unusual ability to cause harm.
- The animal’s ability to cause harm was responsible for the injuries in question.
Although dog bites are frequently reported in the media, you may be entitled to compensation if you were bitten by any dangerous animal kept as a pet.
Remember that under Texas law, the dog’s owner isn’t the only person who could be held financially liable for your dog bite injuries. If you were hurt on someone else’s property – whether it was a business, a friend’s house, or even a local government-run park – you could sue the property owner.
Our McAllen premises liability attorneys will work hard to identify all potentially liable parties and will fight to hold them all accountable for your injuries and suffering.
What Damages Are Available For Dog Bite Accidents in McAllen?
In dog bite cases where the injured victim can prove the pet owner’s negligence, they may be able to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Dog bite victims in Texas can typically seek compensation for:
- Current medical costs
- Future medical expenses
- Expenses for physical therapy and treatment
- Wages and earning capacity have been lost.
- Disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Dissatisfaction with life
- Consortium dissolution
- If an attack results in death, funeral and burial expenses will be incurred.
- Suffering and pain
- PTSD and emotional distress
It can be difficult to calculate damages for losses such as pain and suffering and disfigurement. An insurance company may provide low estimates for these non-monetary damages. A knowledgeable dog bite attorney can provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about whether to settle your claim.
Contact The Higdon Law Firm Today
If you have been bitten by a dog, you should consult with a reputable dog bite attorney, even if you believe you were at fault. Dog bite victims frequently do not know what the dog’s owner does, including whether the dog has a history of dangerous or aggressive behavior.
Please do not hesitate to contact the McAllen dog bite attorneys at Higdon Law Firm. We are available for free case consultations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call today!
Contact a McAllen Dog Bite Accident Lawyer Today!
Don’t hesitate to contact the attorneys at Higdon Law Firm today if you or a loved one has recently been in a dog bite accident, our law firm offers a free and confidential consultation. David A. Higdon has been serving McAllen and helping represent those who are usually under-represented for personal injury cases for over 30 years. Our lawyers will fight hard for your freedom and will do whatever it takes to ensure that you are our priority. Don’t just take our word for it, hear what our clients have to say about our personal injury attorneys on Google, Yelp, and Facebook.