Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic and painful experience. Unfortunately, dog bites are not uncommon in McAllen and can lead to serious injuries, disfigurement, and even death. In addition to physical harm, dog attacks can also cause emotional trauma and impact a victim’s well-being for the rest of his or her life.
If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the animal’s owner and hold him or her accountable for your injuries. In these situations, trust the McAllen personal injury lawyer at De La Garza Law Firm to fight for your financial recovery. For years, our firm has dedicated itself to protecting the rights of dog bite victims, and we will not rest until you receive the justice that you deserve.
Why Choose the Dog Bite Lawyer at De La Garza Law Firm?
- As a full-service law firm, we will handle all legal matters on your behalf so that you can focus on healing and recovery. Our founding attorney Rafael De La Garza only accepts a limited amount of cases so that he can provide your claim with the attention it deserves.
- Our McAllen dog bite attorney is a tough negotiator who will not rest until our clients secure the settlement that they need to recover. We will not hesitate to take your dog bite lawsuit to court if necessary.
- Our firm accepts dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis to help limit our clients’ out-of-pocket expenses. If our attorney does not recover financial compensation on your behalf, you will not be charged legal fees.
How a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in McAllen Can Support Your Case
Navigating a dog bite lawsuit can be complex, especially while you are recovering from a serious injury. In these situations, the dog bite attorney in McAllen from De La Garza Law Firm can provide crucial support and guidance in many ways, from identifying the basis for liability to advocating for your rights in the courtroom.
Our firm will analyze the dog’s history and the owner’s actions, helping determine whether you have grounds for a claim. prepare for negotiations, aiming to secure full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. In court, we represent your interests with compelling arguments, ensuring your story is heard. Together, we will advocate aggressively for your right to fair compensation.
When Is a Dog Owner Liable for a Bite in Texas?
Texas, unlike many other states, does not have a law that explicitly addresses a dog owner’s liability for bites. However, the courts do recognize two situations where an owner can be held responsible for injuries caused by their animals:
- The One-Bite Rule: Under this rule, a dog owner is liable if they knew or should have known about their pet’s dangerous tendencies. Once an owner is aware that their dog may pose a risk, they are responsible for any future bites or injuries the animal inflicts.
- Negligence-Based Cases: Dog owners can also face liability based on negligence. In these cases, the owner might not have prior knowledge of the dog being dangerous but can still be sued for irresponsible behavior. To establish negligence, you must prove that the injury was caused by the owner’s dog and resulted from the owner’s actions—or lack thereof.
Dog Bites Can Be Extremely Dangerous
Injuries from dog bites can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries, such as broken bones, nerve damage, and disfigurement. These injuries can cause significant pain and discomfort and may require medical treatment, including surgery, to repair. In some cases, victims of dog bites may experience long-term consequences, such as chronic pain or scarring.
In addition to physical trauma, dog bites can lead to infections, which can cause severe and life-threatening health problems if left untreated. It is important to seek medical care as soon as possible after being bitten by a dog to minimize the risk of infection.
Victims of dog bites may also experience emotional trauma following the attack. Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are quite common, and many victims are unable to interact with or spend time around dogs for years after these incidents. These emotional effects can have a damaging effect on their quality of life.
If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Even if the wound seems minor, it is important to have it evaluated by a medical professional to prevent infections and ensure proper treatment.
Texas Dog Bite Laws and Regulations
Every dog owner has a responsibility to keep their pets under control and prevent them from causing harm to others. If an animal bites another person, its owner can be held liable for the dog’s actions and may need to pay for any damages suffered by the victim. Different states have different rules regarding dog owner liability, and Texas is no exception.
Although Texas does not have a specific dog bite statute, the state Supreme Court ruled that a dog owner is liable for a bite under certain circumstances. To recover compensation in a dog bite claim, one of the following facts must be true:
- The dog owner knew that the dog has a history of aggressive behavior or had bitten someone in the past.
- The dog owner failed to use reasonable care to control the dog and prevent it from biting someone, and a person was bitten as a result.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Dog Bite Lawsuit?
Dog bite lawsuits allow you to recover financial compensation for any damages that you suffered in the attack. The attorney at De La Garza Law Firm can help you explore all potential avenues to recovery and accurately calculate your estimated settlement.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Past and Future Medical Expenses: This includes any costs associated with medical treatment, such as emergency room visits, surgery, and physical therapy.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: If you missed work due to your injuries, or are unable to return to your previous position, you may be able to recover the income you otherwise would have earned.
- Pain and Suffering: This refers to physical pain and emotional distress caused by the dog bite. Scarring, disfigurement, PTSD, chronic pain, and depression can all be covered by pain and suffering.
- Property Damage: If the dog damaged any of your property during the attack, such as tearing your clothing or damaging your phone, you may be able to recover the cost of repairing or replacing the property.
What to Do If You Were Bitten by a Dog in Texas
If you have been bitten by a dog in Texas, there are several steps you should take to protect your health and your legal rights. First, you should get to a safe location right away. If possible, perform basic first aid on any open wounds by washing them with soap and warm water, applying antibiotic ointment, and dressing them in clean bandages. Seek medical attention right away to prevent infections and ensure proper treatment.
Gather as much information about the attack as you can, including the name and contact information of the dog’s owner and any witnesses to the attack. Take as many photos and videos as possible and report the incident to local animal control authorities.
Finally, contact a McAllen dog bite attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact a McAllen Dog Bite Lawyer Today
At De La Garza Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a dog bite can have on your life. If you were injured by a dog in McAllen, Texas, our attorney can fight for your right to fair compensation. Contact us today at (956) 533-1426 to schedule a free case consultation and discuss your next steps with a McAllen dog bite lawyer.
