Sugar Land Dog Bite Attorney
Dogs are among the most popular pets among Texas households, bringing joy and companionship to families and individuals of all ages. However, statistics revealed by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) should be cause for concern if you and your loved ones spend time around canines. Around 4 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the US, and their injuries will force around 330,000 to seek medical care at hospital emergency departments. It is even more disturbing to learn that infants and young children are among the most at risk for dog bites.
Animal attacks fall under Texas personal injury laws, so you may have legal options if you or your child suffered injuries. The West Law Office team has extensive experience assisting victims in these cases, so you can rely on us to handle the process. Please contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Sugar Land dog bite attorney today. You might also benefit from reviewing some basic legal concepts.
Liability Under Texas Dog Bite Laws
While many US states have enacted statutes that impose strict liability on owners for animal attacks, Texas follows the “one-bite” rule for purposes of liability. This concept means that the first bite by a dog is not immediately actionable, but it puts the owner on notice that the animal has aggressive tendencies. If the dog bites again, the owner is now accountable for any negligence in failing to prevent a second attack.
Aside from the one-bite rule, a dog’s owner could be considered negligent for failing to comply with laws and regulations that specifically apply to pets and safety. For instance, it may be negligence per se if the owner does not have the dog on a leash in public or leaves it unattended in a non-fenced yard.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Injuries from animal attacks can be extreme, leading to severe scarring and disfigurement and a high potential for infection. Plus, the emotional trauma and a life-long fear of dogs can be debilitating. At The West Law Office, we are dedicated to obtaining all compensation available by law for your dog bite injuries. You may be entitled to:
- Costs of medical care, including reconstructive procedures, cosmetic surgery, and treatment for emotional disorders;
- Lost wages, if you were unable to work because of your injuries;
- Pain and suffering;
- Scarring and disfigurement;
- Lost future earning capacity, when you cannot work in the same position after being bitten.
Our Sugar Land dog bite lawyers will handle the legal process, which often begins by filing a claim under the homeowners’ insurance policy of the dog’s owner. Still, we will take your case to court as necessary to get the compensation you deserve.
Discuss Legal Options with a Sugar Land Dog Bite Attorney
To learn more about your remedies, please call The West Law Office at 281-347-3247 to set up a no-cost case evaluation with a dog bite lawyer who can explain the details. Our team represents injured victims in Fort Bend County and throughout Southeast Texas, so we are prepared to fight for your rights.
