Galveston Dog Bite Lawyer

Galveston Dog Bite Attorney

Experiencing a dog bite can turn your world upside down in a moment and cause physical pain and disfigurement that can impact the rest of your life. Texas law protects victims of dog bites by ensuring financial compensation and more. However, time is limited for victims to file a claim. It is important to find a Galveston dog bite lawyer as soon as possible in order to receive the compensation you deserve.

Texas Dog Bite Law

In Texas, dog owners can be held liable if their dog attacks or bites someone. In the Texas Supreme Court case Marshall v. Ranne, questions regarding the liability of the owner and the responsibility of the victim were discussed. In light of the ruling in this case, dog bite claims may be filed based on negligence or strict liability.

Negligence

In some cases, an owner’s dog may surprise them by biting someone. Owners are not always aware that their dog is capable of being a danger to others. It might be difficult in these cases to prove liability, but it can be done.

In order to prove negligence, the defendant must show two things:

1. They sustained injuries directly from the owner’s dog.
2. The attack was a result of the owner’s lack of responsibility.

One simple example of a lack of responsibility is an owner allowing their dog to roam off-leash in a public space where they may come in contact with others. If the dog causes injury to a person while off-leash, the owner can be liable for allowing them to roam free.

Strict Liability

Many states have a “one bite rule” concerning dogs, including Texas. These owners should know that their dog has the potential to be dangerous and are liable if the dog attacks someone. Even if the owner acted responsibly by keeping their dog on a leash, they are still held responsible for any injury that was caused by the dog.

While strict liability can be easier to prove in court with the help of an experienced lawyer, there are still elements of such cases that can be difficult to navigate. No matter how simple a case may seem, it is still of great benefit to have a knowledgeable lawyer by your side.

Compensation for Dog Bites

There are various ways you may be able to receive compensation for a dog bite injury in Galveston, TX. Once we have proven that the injury was either the result of negligence or a strict liability case, we can work with you to assess all costs associated with the attack in order to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Some specific things for which you may be able to receive compensation include:

• Emergency medical bills. In some cases, a dog bite is so severe that emergency medical attention is required. If this is the case, costs for an ambulance, ER treatment, and emergency medications can be covered.
• Rehabilitation costs. Severe dog bites may require ongoing treatment in order to physically restore the area of injury. These ongoing treatment costs may also be covered.
• Loss of income. If you are unable to return to work for a period of time due to your injuries, the lost wages may be compensated.
• Emotional distress and pain and suffering. Not all injuries can be seen. If you experienced extreme emotional distress as a result of your injury, you may receive additional financial compensation.

FAQs

How Much Can You Sue for a Dog Bite in Texas?

There is no set amount for how much you can sue for a dog bite in Texas. The settlement amount typically depends on the specifics of your case, including details such as medical bills, the extent of the injury, the recovery process, loss of time at work, disfigurement, disability, and others. A person’s contribution to the attack may also impact the amount of compensation they receive.

How Serious Does a Dog Bite Need to Be to File a Claim Against the Owner?

While the severity of a dog bite impacts the compensation a person receives, an injury of any level of severity can be enough to file a case. In the case of a minor injury, you may still be able to receive compensation for any costs needed to cover treatment as well as pain and anguish.

What Are the Texas Laws About Dog Biting?

In Texas, owners can be found liable if their dog bites someone. There are legal ways to hold the owner responsible for injuries and damages if their animal has bitten you. If you can show that the owner acted in a negligent way that led to your harm, you can receive compensation. A skilled dog bite attorney can help you build a strong case when you are bitten by someone’s dog.

What Can Be Compensated After a Dog Bite?

There are various costs that can be compensated after a dog bite. Medical expenses for emergency care at the time of the bite, as well as medical expenses for ongoing necessary treatments, can be covered. Additionally, you may be able to receive compensation for loss of wages, emotional distress, and reduced earning capacity. These may be more difficult to show in court, but an experienced attorney can guide you through the process.

Contact Stevenson & Murray – Galveston Dog Bite Law Firm

The legal team at Stevenson & Murray has extensive experience in handling dog bite cases for Galveston clients. If you are the victim of a dog bite, we can guide you through the necessary steps to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to. We are well-versed in such cases and are happy to explain the legal process to you. Not only are we ready to advocate for you through the legal proceedings, but also to stand by your side during this time.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can fight for your rights and appropriate compensation on your behalf. We can schedule a consultation to answer any questions you may have about Texas law, our firm, and what your next steps might be.