Have you been unexpectedly bitten and injured by a dog in Houston, Texas? Dog bites can lead to serious physical and emotional trauma, and understanding your legal rights is crucial. You may be entitled to financial compensation from the dog’s owner, a business, or even a property owner to cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. A knowledgeable dog bite lawyer in Houston can be your strongest advocate, helping you navigate the legal process and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
At Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers in Houston, TX, our experienced legal team is dedicated to helping dog bite victims like you. With over 45 years of combined experience, a proven track record of success, and the resources to stand up to insurance companies, we are ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today at (713) 500-5000 for a free, no-obligation consultation with a leading Houston dog bite lawyer.
Why Choose Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for Your Dog Bite Case?
Why You Should Hire Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help After a Dog Attack in Houston
Choosing the right legal representation is paramount after a dog bite incident. Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers offers distinct advantages that can significantly impact the outcome of your case:
- Comprehensive Case Management: We manage every facet of your dog bite injury case from beginning to end. This includes handling all necessary paperwork, managing communications with insurance adjusters and opposing counsel, and ensuring all court filings are completed accurately and on time. This comprehensive approach allows you to concentrate solely on your recovery without the added stress of legal administration.
- In-Depth Investigation into Dog’s History: To effectively apply Texas dog bite laws, understanding the dog’s history is essential. We conduct thorough investigations to uncover any prior incidents of aggression or biting. This information is crucial in establishing negligence and strengthening your claim for compensation. Knowing if the dog has a history of aggression can significantly influence the legal strategy and the potential for recovering damages.
- Collaboration with Medical and Legal Experts: Dog bite injuries can range from minor to catastrophic, often requiring specialized medical care. We collaborate with a network of leading medical experts in Texas to fully understand the extent of your injuries and long-term medical needs. Furthermore, we consult with legal experts when necessary to build a robust and compelling case that accurately reflects the value of your claim.
- Identification of All Liable Parties: In Houston dog bite cases, liability may extend beyond just the dog owner. Property owners, landlords, or businesses may also be held accountable depending on the circumstances. Our attorneys meticulously investigate the incident to identify all potentially liable parties, ensuring all avenues for compensation are explored. This comprehensive approach maximizes your potential for a full financial recovery.
- Aggressive Defense Against Blame Tactics: Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts by shifting blame to the victim. We vigorously defend our clients against such tactics. Our legal team proactively gathers evidence and builds a strong case to counter any attempts to unfairly blame you for the dog bite incident, protecting your right to compensation.
- Skilled Negotiation and Litigation: We are adept negotiators who strive to secure a fair settlement with insurance companies. We meticulously prepare each case for the possibility of trial. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we are fully prepared to litigate your case in court to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our dual approach ensures the best possible outcome, whether through settlement or trial.
Establishing an attorney-client relationship promptly after a dog bite is advisable to protect your rights and initiate the claims process. Contact our office anytime, 24/7, to begin your case with a free consultation with a Houston dog bite attorney.
Understanding Dog Bite Statistics in Houston, Texas
Analyzing dog bite statistics provides crucial insights into the prevalence and patterns of these incidents in Houston and surrounding areas. A study of dog bites in unincorporated Harris County from 2013 to 2016 revealed an average of 1,671 dog bites annually, indicating a consistent and concerning rate of dog attacks in the region. This data underscores the significant risk of dog bites in Houston and the importance of understanding your legal recourse if you become a victim.
Key findings from the Harris County study highlight important trends:
- Seasonal Peaks: Dog bite incidents are most frequent during March, April, and October. This seasonal variation might be attributed to increased outdoor activities during these months, leading to more interactions between dogs and people.
- Vulnerability of Children: Approximately 20% of dog bite victims were children aged 1 to 10 years old. Younger children are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller size and less developed understanding of dog behavior.
- Severity of Injuries in Young and Elderly: Individuals under 10 and over 70 years old are at the highest risk for severe dog bite injuries. This is due to children’s fragility and older adults’ potential for greater injury complications and slower recovery.
Alarmingly, Texas, and Houston specifically, are ranked among the regions with the highest rates of dog bites and fatal dog attacks in the United States. This grim statistic emphasizes the seriousness of the issue in our community and reinforces the need for strong legal advocacy for dog bite victims.
A notable statistic from the Harris County study is that one-fourth of all dog bite victims were bitten by their own dogs. Interestingly, middle-aged individuals, particularly those aged 40-44, were disproportionately represented among those bitten by their own dogs. While this age group constituted only 6% of total dog bite victims, they represented 12% of victims bitten by their own pets. This suggests that familiarity with a dog does not eliminate the risk of biting and highlights the need for responsible dog ownership across all age groups.
Common Causes of Dog Bites in Houston
Under Texas law, dogs that are likely to cause injuries are classified into three categories: dangerous, aggressive, and public nuisance dogs. Dangerous and aggressive dogs are defined by their propensity for unprovoked aggression, bites, and attacks. However, it’s important to note that any dog, regardless of breed or perceived temperament, can bite under certain circumstances.
Interestingly, data from unincorporated Harris County indicates that in 2016, over half of reported dog bites were provoked. Overall, the data consistently showed that provoked dog bites were significantly more common than unprovoked attacks. Provocation can include actions such as teasing, disturbing a dog while eating or sleeping, or attempting to handle a dog that is fearful or in pain. Understanding the circumstances leading to a dog bite is crucial in determining liability and building a strong legal case.
Are Certain Dog Breeds More Likely to Bite?
While any dog can bite, studies suggest that certain breeds, particularly pit bull breeds, are statistically more likely to bite and cause severe injuries. This increased risk is partly attributed to their powerful jaws and tenacious biting style, which can result in more serious wounds requiring hospitalization.
The Harris County dog bite data from 2013-2016 analyzed the breeds most frequently involved in biting incidents. The top ten breeds reported were:
- Pit Bulls
- Labrador Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Chihuahuas
- Boxers
- Belgian Malinois
- Dachshunds
- Rottweilers
- Australian Cattle Dogs
- Shih Tzus
It is important to interpret this list cautiously. Some breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, are popular and numerous, which may statistically increase their bite incident numbers without necessarily indicating a higher propensity to bite compared to their population. Furthermore, breed-specific legislation is a contentious issue, and responsible dog ownership and understanding canine behavior are crucial regardless of breed.
The study also revealed that intact dogs (not spayed or neutered) were almost twice as likely to bite compared to spayed female or neutered male dogs. This highlights the role of hormones and reproductive behavior in canine aggression and underscores the benefits of spaying and neutering pets.
Types of Injuries from Dog Bites: Seeking Full Compensation
Dog bite injuries in Houston can vary dramatically in severity, ranging from minor lacerations to life-threatening trauma. The extent of the injuries depends on factors such as the dog’s size and breed, the location of the bite, and the victim’s age and health.
Our experienced dog bite attorneys at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to helping you pursue full and fair compensation for all types of dog bite injuries, including:
- Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: These are common in dog bites and can range from superficial to deep, potentially damaging muscles, tendons, and nerves. Deep puncture wounds carry a high risk of infection.
- Crush Injuries: Large dogs with powerful jaws can inflict significant crush injuries, leading to broken bones, internal organ damage, and severe soft tissue trauma.
- Avulsions: In severe attacks, dogs can tear away skin and tissue, causing disfigurement and requiring extensive reconstructive surgery.
- Infections: Dog bites carry a significant risk of bacterial infections such as rabies, tetanus, and pasteurellosis. Prompt medical treatment and antibiotics are crucial to prevent serious complications.
- Nerve Damage: Dog bites can damage nerves, leading to loss of sensation, chronic pain, and impaired motor function.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Dog bites, especially facial bites, can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, causing emotional distress and impacting self-esteem.
- Emotional Trauma: Dog attacks can be psychologically traumatizing, leading to anxiety, fear of dogs (cynophobia), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and emotional distress, particularly in children.
Contact our Houston, TX law offices to learn more about how our dog bite injury lawyers can assist you during this challenging time. Your initial consultation is always free, and we are available to discuss your case 24/7.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Texas
In Texas, there is a statute of limitations, or time limit, for filing a personal injury claim after a dog bite. You have up to two years from the date of the dog bite incident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. Once this two-year period expires, you may lose your legal right to recover damages.
Acting promptly and consulting with a Houston dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after an attack is crucial. Early legal intervention allows for timely investigation of the incident, preservation of evidence, and protection of your legal rights within the statutory timeframe.
What if You Are Blamed for a Dog Bite? Comparative Negligence Explained
In some dog bite cases, the issue of comparative negligence may arise. Texas law recognizes comparative negligence, meaning that if you are found partially at fault for causing the dog bite incident, your financial recovery may be reduced. If you are determined to be 51% or more at fault, you will be barred from recovering any compensation.
However, comparative negligence may not apply if the dog owner knew or should have known about the dog’s propensity to bite. Texas follows a “one-bite rule,” which, in practice, means that once a dog has demonstrated a tendency towards aggression or has bitten someone previously, the owner may be held strictly liable for subsequent bite injuries.
Under the one-bite rule, if the owner was aware of the dog’s dangerous propensities, they can be held liable for damages even if you are partially at fault, or even if the bite was arguably provoked. This is because the owner has a heightened responsibility to control a dog known to be aggressive.
Proving Your Dog Bite Case in Houston: What You Need to Show
To successfully recover compensation in a Houston dog bite case, you generally need to demonstrate certain key elements. Under Texas’s approach to dog bite liability, which includes aspects of the “one-bite rule” and negligence principles, you typically need to prove:
- The Dog Had a Dangerous Propensity: You must show that the dog had a history or tendency to be aggressive or bite. This can be evidenced by prior bite incidents, aggressive behavior, or even breed-specific tendencies if relevant and known to the owner.
- The Owner Knew of This Dangerous Propensity: It’s essential to prove that the dog owner was aware of their dog’s dangerous tendencies prior to the bite incident. This knowledge establishes the owner’s responsibility to take extra precautions to prevent harm. Evidence of prior complaints, warnings, or the dog’s past behavior can help establish this knowledge.
- The Dog’s Dangerous Propensity Caused Your Injuries: You need to establish a direct link between the dog’s known dangerous propensity and the injuries you sustained. This means showing that the bite and resulting injuries were a direct consequence of the dog’s aggressive nature that the owner was aware of.
Furthermore, liability for dog bite injuries can extend beyond the dog owner. Under premises liability principles, if the dog bite occurred on someone else’s property – such as a business, a friend’s home, or a public park – the property owner may also be held liable if they were negligent in maintaining safe premises or warning of known dangers, including aggressive dogs. Our premises liability lawyers in Houston can investigate all aspects of your case to identify all potentially liable parties and pursue all available avenues for compensation.
Recoverable Damages in Houston Dog Bite Cases
If you have been injured in a Houston dog bite incident and can establish the pet owner’s fault or liability, you may be entitled to recover various damages to compensate you for your losses. These damages can be categorized as economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are intended to cover your direct financial losses resulting from the dog bite, including:
- Past and Future Medical Expenses: This includes all medical bills incurred for treatment related to the dog bite, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, doctor appointments, medications, physical therapy, and anticipated future medical care.
- Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: You can recover lost income if you missed work due to your injuries. If your injuries have long-term effects that diminish your ability to earn income in the future, you may also be compensated for loss of earning capacity.
Non-economic damages address the intangible, personal consequences of the dog bite injuries, such as:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional suffering endured as a result of the dog bite and recovery process.
- Emotional Distress and PTSD: Dog attacks can cause significant emotional trauma. You may be entitled to damages for emotional distress, anxiety, fear, and conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Disfigurement and Scarring: If the dog bite resulted in permanent scarring or disfigurement, you can seek compensation for the physical and emotional impact of these permanent changes to your appearance.
- Disability: If the dog bite injuries result in temporary or permanent disability, impacting your quality of life and daily activities, you can pursue damages for disability.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the diminished ability to participate in hobbies, activities, and aspects of life you enjoyed before the injury.
- Loss of Consortium: In cases where the dog bite severely impacts your relationship with your spouse, your spouse may be entitled to loss of consortium damages.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: In the tragic event of a fatal dog attack, the victim’s family can recover funeral and burial expenses.
Valuing non-economic damages like pain and suffering can be complex. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize these payouts. An experienced dog bite lawyer can accurately assess the full extent of your damages, including both economic and non-economic losses, and fight for a settlement that fairly compensates you for everything you have endured.
Contact a Houston Dog Bite Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite in Houston, it is essential to seek legal counsel from a reliable dog bite attorney. Even if you are unsure about liability or believe you may have been partially at fault, consulting with a lawyer is crucial to understand your rights and options. Dog bite victims often do not have access to critical information about the dog’s history or the owner’s knowledge of prior aggression, which an attorney can investigate.
Do not hesitate to contact the Houston dog bite lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for immediate assistance. We offer a free, no-obligation case consultation 24/7. Call us today at (713) 500-5000 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Our personal injury law firm in Houston, TX also handles cases involving:
