When a dog attack leaves you with serious injuries, medical bills, and emotional trauma, the last thing you need is an insurance company telling you your claim isn’t worth what you know it is. Dog owners and their insurers will do everything in their power to minimize your suffering and deny you fair compensation, but a Houston dog bite lawyer can help protect your rights.
That’s where we come in. Led by Mark Thiessen, the injury attorneys at Thiessen Law Firm have built a reputation for taking on the biggest insurance companies in the world and winning.
If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dangerous dog in Houston, reach out to us for a free consultation with a Houston personal injury lawyer.
Compensation You Can Pursue Following a Dog Bite in Houston
The amount you can sue for after a dog bite in Texas depends entirely on the specific circumstances of your case. Unlike some states that cap personal injury damages, Texas allows dog bite victims to pursue full compensation for their losses, and those losses can be substantial.
Dog bite claims in Texas often include the following categories of damages:
- Medical expenses: Emergency room visits, surgeries, reconstructive procedures, medication, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment costs.
- Lost wages: Income lost during recovery, as well as future earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress resulting from the attack.
- Disfigurement and scarring: Compensation for permanent scarring, especially facial injuries that affect your appearance and self-confidence.
- Property damage: Replacement of clothing, glasses, or other personal items damaged during the attack.
In cases involving particularly reckless or negligent behavior by the dog owner, Texas law may allow for punitive damages designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct.
The severity of your injuries plays the biggest role in determining your claim’s value. A minor bite requiring a few stitches will be worth far less than an attack causing catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries, permanent nerve damage, or disfiguring scars.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Houston, call (713) 864-9000
Texas Dog Bite Laws
When it comes to dog bite cases, Texas follows what’s known as a “one bite rule” with modifications. Unlike in states that observe strict liability, where dog owners are automatically responsible for any bite, Texas requires victims to prove that the dog owner knew or should have known their dog was dangerous.
Under Texas law, you can establish a dog owner’s liability by proving any of the following:
- Prior knowledge of dangerous behavior: The owner knew the dog had bitten someone before or had shown aggressive tendencies.
- Negligence: The owner failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling or restraining their dog, regardless of prior incidents.
- Violation of local ordinances: The owner violated leash laws, containment requirements, or other local regulations designed to protect the public.
Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 822.005 also allows victims to recover damages if a dog causes injury through an unprovoked attack and the owner’s negligence in securing the dog was a proximate cause of the attack.
Houston Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (713) 864-9000
The Cost of Hiring a Dog Bite Attorney in Houston
At Thiessen Law Firm, we handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes as a percentage of your settlement or verdict, which means if we don‘t recover compensation for you, you don‘t owe us a dime.
We believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. Dog bite victims are already dealing with mounting medical bills and lost income. The last thing they need is to worry about paying a lawyer by the hour while their case drags on.
During your free consultation, we’ll explain exactly how our fee structure works and answer any questions you have. There are no surprises and no hidden costs. We fight for you, and we win together.
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How We Protect Dog Bite Victims Against Predatory Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are far more concerned with making money than they are with helping injury victims get back on their feet. When you file a dog bite claim, their goal is simply to pay you as little as possible, as slowly as possible, or deny your claim entirely.
Here’s how we fight for dog bite victims:
- We investigate thoroughly: We dig deep into the dog’s history, the owner’s knowledge of dangerous propensities, and any violations of local ordinances that strengthen your case.
- We document everything: We collect everything from medical records and expert opinions to witness statements and economic analyses to help build a well-supported claim based on the available evidence.
- We calculate true damages: Insurance adjusters use formulas designed to undervalue claims. We work with various experts to calculate the full cost of your injuries. We account for not just your current bills, but future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
- We negotiate with strength: When an insurance company sees that our firm is representing you, they know you’re prepared to go to trial. That leverage is what gets our clients fair settlements without the uncertainty and delay of litigation.
- We go to trial: Some insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation no matter how strong your case. When that happens, we’re ready to take your case to a jury and fight for every dollar you deserve.
How to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Houston
Filing a dog bite lawsuit in Texas involves a lot of steps, and missing any of them can jeopardize your entire claim. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Consultation and case evaluation: We’ll review the facts of your case, assess the strength of your claim, and explain your legal options.
- Investigation and evidence gathering: Our team will thoroughly investigate the incident, gathering medical records, witness statements, animal control reports, and any other evidence supporting your claim.
- Demand and negotiation: Before filing a lawsuit, we’ll typically send a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your damages and demanding fair compensation. Many cases settle at this stage.
- Filing the lawsuit: If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we’ll file a lawsuit in the appropriate Texas court. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Texas is generally two years from the date of the injury, which means time is of the essence.
- Discovery and litigation: Both sides exchange information and evidence through the discovery process. We may take depositions, hire expert witnesses, and prepare exhibits for trial.
- Settlement or trial: Most cases settle before trial, but if the insurance company won’t budge, we’re prepared to present your case to a jury and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Throughout this process, you’ll have direct access to our legal team. We keep you informed at every stage and make sure you understand your options before making any decisions.
Get Help From an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer Serving Houston Today
Dog attacks can cause catastrophic injuries that change your life forever. You shouldn’t have to fight insurance companies alone while you’re trying to recover from your injuries. The attorneys at Thiessen Law Firm are ready to go to battle with the giants for you and your family. We have recovered millions of dollars in damages for injury victims like you.
With over 90 years of combined legal experience, we understand the challenges you face. Our knowledgeable legal team is ready to fight on your behalf to secure fair compensation for your losses.
Reach out to us today by phone or through our online contact form to schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our legal team.