Beaumont Dog Bite Lawyer

Beaumont Dog Bite Attorney

Getting attacked by a dog is a scary experience, especially when the animal belongs to someone you know. Even if you don’t know the owner, it’s bewildering to think an animal could cause harm to a person. Either way, a Beaumont dog bite lawyer can advise you on how to proceed.

Renick Law Firm, PLLC, offers a welcoming and relaxing environment where clients can discuss their legal issues openly and honestly. With a second-generation attorney who has experience as a former prosecutor, our firm knows Texas law. If you’ve experienced a dog bite injury, don’t hesitate to discuss your case with us.

What to Do if You Are Bitten by a Dog

If you are bitten by a dog, there are certain steps you should take immediately. First, ask the owner if the dog is up-to-date on rabies and other vaccinations. Get the name of the owner and contact information, as well as the dog’s veterinarian’s name and contact information. Then, clean the site of the wound with soap and water and go to the emergency room or call your doctor.

Report your injury to the police and to Beaumont Animal Care by calling 311. Finally, call the dog’s veterinarian if the owner provided this information, and verify the dog is current on its vaccinations. Finally, take pictures of your injury, your clothing, the location, and anything pertinent to the event, such as a broken fence or gate, the lack of enclosure, or any other physical evidence available.

Proving You Were Bitten by a Dog

You will need to collect evidence that will support your potential personal injury dog bite claim. Examples of strong evidence of a dog bite include photographs, as mentioned above, a police report of the incident, medical bills and records, hospital bills and records, and/or receipts from any expenses incurred as a result of the dog bite. You should also get the names and contact information of anyone who was present when the bite occurred.

You may also find court records regarding previous dog attacks from dogs belonging to the owner and/or information from Beaumont Animal Care regarding past reports made regarding the dog’s owner. Hiring a Beaumont dog bite lawyer can be a great resource in assisting you with compiling evidence and reviewing your evidence in hopes that you have enough to file a claim.

The Importance of Filing a Dog Bite Claim

Just like the dog owner had a duty of care to protect you from their dog, you, too, have a duty of care to protect others from getting injured by the same dog. When you report your dog’s bite and file a claim against the owner, it sends a message to that owner that they need to be a more responsible dog owner.

Even if the dog’s owner is a friend, neighbor, or family member, you still have a responsibility to report your injury. In 2023, seven people died from dog bites in Texas. Victims were between the ages of 1 and 87.

Is It Worth Filing a Personal Injury Claim for a Dog Bite?

While reporting your dog bite is an obligation to your community, filing a personal injury claim is your choice. Speaking to a Beaumont dog bite lawyer can provide insight into the validity and potential of a claim for your injury and provide legal counsel accordingly based on the details of your unique situation.

If you have lost wages, paid medical bills, or spent money on vaccines as a result of your injury, bought prescriptions or over-the-counter medication, paid for physical therapy or other treatment, or incurred the cost of any other expense–even for mental anguish and emotional distress, you may have a valid personal injury claim.

A reputable attorney can advise you regarding your legal rights and any potential claim you have against the dog’s owner for your injury. They can also file the claim for you and negotiate with the insurance adjuster on your behalf, leveraging the evidence.

The insurance company may deny the claim on the grounds that the victim provoked the dog or for some other reason. This is a common tactic used to avoid paying the victim’s damages. In this case, a good attorney could litigate for you in court and attempt to optimize an award settlement for your claim.

FAQs

What Is the Maximum Compensation for a Dog Bite?

In 2023, the average dog bite compensation was around $58,000. The maximum compensation is typically the maximum amount of the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy; however, if the victim is awarded any additional compensation over this amount, it will be up to the dog owner to pay the difference, that is, if they have the means to pay it.

What Proof Is Needed for a Dog Bite?

Proving the negligence of a dog owner can be harder than it sounds. A police report, eyewitness accounts, medical records, and medical bills are usually the extent to which proof is available for dog bite injuries. Any evidence that proves the dog’s owner knew the dog was aggressive and/or was aware of the dog’s past aggression is ideal when it comes to the insurance company approving compensation.

What Compensation Do You Get for a Dog Bite?

The compensation for a dog bite claim depends on the losses the victim suffered as a result of the injury. If you have a valid claim, you may be able to get compensated for emergency room costs, other medical expenses like physical therapy or prescriptions, lost wages, and other related costs.

How Bad Does a Dog Bite Need to Be to Sue?

The severity of a dog bite is not as important as the damage the victim experienced. The harm caused to the victim, both physically and emotionally, as well as financially, is what makes an injury claim worthy. Speak to an attorney to determine if you have a solid claim for your dog bite injury.

Speak With an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you are suffering from an attack by a dog or a dog bite, don’t wait to initiate a conversation with a Beaumont dog bite lawyer. The statute of limitations for personal injury/dog bite claims in Texas is two years. Call Renick Law Firm, PLLC, and speak to a member of our legal team to get the conversation started regarding your potential dog bite personal injury claim.