Pearland Dog Bite Lawyer

In Houston, Texas, at least 73.53 percent of the population owns one or more dogs. Additionally, pet insurance comparison platform Protect My Paws conducted a study that found Houston has the world’s highest ratio of dogs to humans at 52.1 dogs per 100 humans – more than one dog for every two people in the city. With that many dogs, it’s no wonder that Houston is one of the top five cities in the entire country when it comes to the number of non-fatal attacks. When an animal attacks you or a loved one, it can cause not only physical damage but also emotional scarring. An experienced dog bite lawyer will make sure the owner is held accountable, you are compensated for your suffering, and the animal is kept from harming others and causing them personal injury.

While most of the time interacting with animals is a positive experience, animals like dogs can sometimes attack and lash out, particularly if they feel threatened. A bite, scratch, or kick can cause an injury and possibly permanent disfigurement to a person, and in some extreme cases death. If the victim of a dog bite or animal attack is a child or an elderly person, there can be deadly consequences.

The most likely source of compensation for a dog bite injury will be the liability or medical payments portion of the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance. While an insurance policy might not explicitly cover or mention dogs, injuries caused by dog bites would generally fall under liability coverage. Personal injury lawyers are experienced in dealing with insurance companies and adjusters every single day in almost every single case, so speaking to one about your situation before attempting to handle it yourself is a very good idea.

When an animal attack occurs, it is important to seek medical attention quickly and make sure your wounds aren’t more serious than they first appear. After that, people aren’t always sure where to turn or even if they can get compensation for the suffering they have gone through. J.D. Silva and Associates is here to help all animal attack victims and their loved ones move forward with dog bite cases. Particularly if you know the owner of the animal that attacked you, we can help take the strain out of the legal dealings involving a family member or friend whose animal hurt you and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Houston dog bite injuries can come in various types and levels of severity depending upon factors including the type of dangerous dog. The dog breeds most likely to bite include Pit Bulls, mixed breeds, German Shepherds, Terriers, and Rottweilers. Common dog bite injuries can include:

• Puncture wounds
• Eye injuries
• Abrasions
• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Scars
• Infections
• Head and neck injuries
• Rabies
• Facial injuries
• Nerve damage
• Tetanus
• Tissue damage
• Trauma and emotional issues
• Crushing injuries
• Avulsion

After you seek out and obtain all necessary medical treatment and ensure you are safe and stable, speaking to Houston dog bite attorneys about a dog bite injury can help you make the best decision regarding how to handle the personal injury aspects of what happened to you.

Children As Dog Bite Victims

Things can get even more catastrophic when dog bite victims are children. The Humane Society estimates that at least 51 percent of dog bite victims are children; the rate of dog bite injuries among minors is highest for kids ages five through nine. The second more frequent case of emergency room visits for children is being bitten by dogs because children are more likely to be severely injured and need medical attention.

Most dog bites affecting children are caused during regular activities while interacting with a familiar animal that belongs to their own family or a friend, with 80 percent happening in their own home. The odds that a dog bite victim will be a child are 3.2 to one according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Boys are even more likely to be injured in an animal attack than girls. The most dangerous breed of dog for child dog attacks that result in personal injury is the Pit Bull – at least one study found this breed caused 36 percent of child dog bite injuries.

Houston, Texas Dog Bite Cases

To obtain compensation for medical bills, pain, and suffering, and other damages, the Texas dog bite law requires the victim to prove the owner of the animal was negligent in some way that led to the attack. Our legal team has the knowledge and resources to investigate dog bite cases to find evidence of negligence to present in court. We can determine if the owner allowed the animal attack to happen either through carelessness or by training an animal to intentionally harm others.

In addition to a personal injury negligence lawsuit, Texas dog attack laws also allow for claims that dogs violated an animal control law, that someone failed to stop a dog attack while it was happening, and/or that an owner kept an animal they knew was dangerous. A victim can recover compensation in their case for dog bite liability if the dog’s owner knew the animal previously bit someone or tried to.

Insurance Coverage for Dog Bite Injuries

Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies will generally cover liability costs associated with animal attack injuries. Since dog bites can be common, some insurers won’t even cover a residence that houses certain breeds or if a dog has already bitten someone before. As the number of dog bite claims continues to rise each year – up to 17,989 in 2021 – settlements and verdicts in cases handled by dog bite lawyers have also gone up (an increase of 39 percent according to one insurance industry study). If a landlord has a dangerous dog on their premises, knows it, and fails to take action, they may also have potential liability exposure.

Animal Attack Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions

How common are dog bites?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dogs bite more than 4.7 million people each year, with children making up the majority of animal attack victims who suffer dog bite injuries. In Texas, where many people own dogs, it is important to know your rights whether you’re the dog bite victim or the dog owner.

Is the owner responsible for my dog bite injury?

Dog owners have a responsibility to protect the public from their pets. Nearly every city in Texas has regulations in place to protect the public like leash laws. Unfortunately, not all dog owners know the law or choose to abide by it, believing their pet would never hurt anyone. In Texas, dog owners are liable for any costs associated with injuries caused as the result of an attack by their animal. Texas dog bite laws are especially strict; therefore, if an owner knows their dog is aggressive, they should take the appropriate precautions to protect others.

How can I document my dog bite injuries?

Documenting injuries after an animal attack is important for your case. You should take care of yourself and obtain medical treatment as soon as possible, but you should also not forget to note any injuries with photos, videos, and medical records. You should also document the effects your injuries have on your daily life. Keeping detailed records of financial costs and your pain and suffering will help your lawyer maximize compensation for your injuries.

What will a dog bite attorney do to help me?

A dog bite attorney can help dog bite victims in Texas learn more about their legal rights in a free initial consultation. Should the injured party decide to move forward, a lawyer can handle their case from start to finish. Dog bite lawsuits are best handled by legal counsel with experience, so be sure to reach out and speak to someone you feel comfortable with as soon as possible.

Contact the Texas Dog Bite Lawyers at J.D. Silva and Associates today!

If you or a loved one has been the dog bite victim of an animal attack, contact a Houston dog bite injury lawyer J.D. Silva and Associates today at our office at 281-809-6781. We will work with you to explore all the possible ways to hold the owner responsible and get you the compensation you deserve for your damages such as medical bills, and pain and suffering.

Do not hesitate to contact an experienced dog bite attorney who can get you the results you need to begin investigating your case today. Personal injury cases in Texas have a two-year statute of limitations, meaning you must file before your deadline passes. Contacting our personal injury lawyers as soon as possible gives them more time to investigate your case thoroughly and helps to build the strongest dog bite lawsuit possible. Consultations are always free. We look forward to hearing from you.