Dog Bites / Animal Attacks

As a dog bite injury attorney and animal attack accident lawyer in Austin, Texas, I know there is often confusion regarding these types of personal injury cases. An animal attack is usually unexpected, quick and traumatic. A dog can cause an amazing amount of damage before you have time to think. Often, uncaring or negligent owners contribute to these dog bite attacks by allowing their aggressive dog to run loose, failing to maintain proper fencing, or by encouraging aggressive behavior by their pets. 

Dog ownership can be wonderful experience, but owners have a responsibility to prevent their pets from causing personal injuyry to other people and their pets. When you have been attacked by someone else’s dog, you need to understand your rights to protect your claim for damages. Here are some frequently asked questions about dog attacks:

How often do dog bites occur?

The Center for Disease Control released a study in 1996 estimating that annually there are 800,000 dog bites that lead to emergency room visits or require some form of medical treatment. As you can see, dog bites happen more often than you would expect.

Which dog breeds are the most dangerous?

According to data collected by the Humane Society, the dogs that were the most frequently involved in human fatalities are Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, St. Bernards, German Shepherds, huskies and malamutes.

Although these are the dogs that have caused the most human deaths due to the size and weight of the animal, it should be remembered that any type of dog has the potential to be dangerous.

I was bitten by my (friend’s/neighbor’s/relative’s) dog. I do not want to bring suit against him. What is the best way to get my needs taken care of without getting the courts involved?

This is a nice sentiment, but it is usually misguided. It is understandable to get nervous when you start thinking about involving the court system and lawyers, especially when the opposite party is a friend or relative. No one wants to financially ruin a friend.

Remember, however, that you are actually demanding that the insurance carrier take responsibility to cover your dog bite personal injury damages. The dog owner will not be ruined by your actions, and the insurance company certainly won’t be either. In acquiring the services of an attorney in a dog bite or animal attack case, you are hiring someone to assist you in filing an insurance claim. This is a big difference. So, why hire a dog bite attorney at all? The reason is that insurance companies will usually offer about 10% to 20% of what you are legally entitled to. Without the services of a skilled dog bite lawyer, you won’t have a good idea as to what a fair settlement looks like, and you might accept far less than you deserve. Is it fair for the insurance company to offer to just pay the medical bills if the dog bite put you out of work for a week or longer? What if the attack left you unable to work at all? What if the dog disfigured your face? Clearly, what the insurance company is doing is not fair at all if they “lowball” your claim.

I was bitten and only need minor medical care. Should I hire an attorney?

Even if the bite was minor, the medical bills can be significant. The average cost of an emergency room visit is $500 to $1000, and that doesn’t include stitches, antibiotics, or any shots that you might have to receive. The insurance company of the liable party will do their best to get you to settle for far less than you are legally entitled to. If that doesn't work, they will usually delay payment on purpose, which means that the collection agencies may be calling you. An experienced attorney that is familiar with the law and the tactics of the insurance companies can help you avoid this scenario.

The owner of the dog is claiming that he/she doesn’t have insurance. What should I do?

Dog bites usually take place on the property of the owner of the dog. If this person has a mortgage then usually they have homeowners insurance. Most homeowners insurance, and even renters insurance, covers dog bites. Since most people don’t bother to read the fine print on their insurance coverage, it’s entirely possible that they simply aren’t aware of the available coverage on their policy. A personal injury attorney can help determine what coverage is available and what can be done to help you after your dog bite animal attackS.

What are my rights according to Texas State Law?

Texas law imposes a duty on the person who "owns, keeps or harbors" an animal to use reasonable care to prevent the animal causing personal injury to anyone. In addition, if the animal has demonstrated aggressiveness before, or if it is classified as a "wild animal" the owner or handler may by "negligent per se" (i.e. automatically liable) if the animal injures someone.

This means that unless you were tormenting the dog or other animal in any way, the owner or keeper may be liable for any damages that you might incur. That means that he or she is not only responsible for medical bills, but for lost earnings, future damages, and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been injured by someone else's negligence in a dog bite or other animal attack, protect yourself with valuable information before you talk to a personal injury lawyer or insurance adjuster. See below to order your copy of our free special report. Read it, review our web site and, if you feel you may have a valid claim for dog bite injuries caused by someone else's negligence, contact our office for a free, no obligation consultation. We will listen to you, evaluate your case, and give you an honest assessment of your options.

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