{"id":227,"date":"2020-06-08T18:16:00","date_gmt":"2020-06-08T18:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jdsilvalaw.com\/?page_id=227"},"modified":"2023-02-17T16:14:44","modified_gmt":"2023-02-17T22:14:44","slug":"dog-bites","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/jdsilvalaw.com\/personal-injury\/dog-bites\/","title":{"rendered":"Pearland Dog Bite Lawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"
In Houston, Texas, at least 73.53 percent of the population owns one or more dogs. Additionally, pet insurance comparison platform Protect My Paws<\/a> conducted a study that found Houston has the world’s highest ratio of dogs to humans at 52.1 dogs per 100 humans \u2013 more than one dog for every two people in the city. With that many dogs, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The most likely source of compensation for a dog bite injury will be the liability or medical payments portion of the dog owner\u2019s homeowner\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n When an animal attack occurs, it is important to seek medical attention quickly and make sure your wounds aren\u2019t more serious than they first appear. After that, people aren\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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 \u2013 at least one study found this breed caused 36 percent of child dog bite injuries.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n In addition to a personal injury negligence lawsuit, Texas dog attack laws<\/a> 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\u2019s owner knew the animal previously bit someone or tried to.<\/p>\n Homeowner\u2019s and renter\u2019s insurance policies will generally cover liability costs associated with animal attack injuries. Since dog bites can be common, some insurers won\u2019t 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 \u2013 up to 17,989 in 2021 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019re the dog bite victim or the dog owner.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\nCommon Dog Bite Injuries<\/h2>\n
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Children As Dog Bite Victims<\/h2>\n
Houston, Texas Dog Bite Cases<\/h2>\n
Insurance Coverage for Dog Bite Injuries<\/h3>\n
Animal Attack Lawyer: Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
How common are dog bites?<\/h3>\n
Is the owner responsible for my dog bite injury?<\/h3>\n
How can I document my dog bite injuries?<\/h3>\n
What will a dog bite attorney do to help me?<\/h3>\n