Corpus Christi Dog Bite Lawyer

Corpus Christi Dog Bite Attorney

Some people consider their dogs to be their best friends. Unfortunately, some dogs are vicious and dangerous. They can attack suddenly or when provoked. If you are attacked by a dog, you should reach out to a Corpus Christi dog bite lawyer for help.

The legal team at Stevenson & Murray understands how difficult it can be to put together a legal case against a dog owner, especially if that owner is insistent that their dog isn’t vicious. Depending on the details of your case, you may be seriously injured and miss work, which means you will require significant compensation for your injuries. A good lawyer can help you build a personal injury case that ensures you are properly compensated and the responsible party is held accountable.

Understanding Texas’s Dog Bite Laws in Corpus Christi

According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), Corpus Christi ranked fifth in dog attacks against USPS employees in Texas in 2023, with 15 reported incidents. The Dallas-Fort Worth area had the most dog attacks, with 39 and 23, respectively.

Texas ranked second overall behind California in dog attacks, with 411 incidents reported in 2023. Dog bites can range from minor inconveniences to traumatic injuries. The incident could result in a fear of dogs or PTSD. After a dog attack, you may want to consider reaching out to a local PTSD support group like NAMI Greater Corpus Christi.

In Texas, there is no civil liability law in place for dog bites. It depends entirely on the case at hand and whether or not the dog owner’s negligence played a part in the attack. Texas has a one-bite rule in place. This rule protects dog owners who were unaware of their dog’s viciousness. If the dog has never bitten anyone before this incident, the owner may not be held liable. Essentially, the dog may get one free pass.

This rule does not protect against negligence. If a dog owner knows their dog is aggressive or dangerous and fails to do anything about it, they can be held liable if the dog attacks somebody. In order to prove negligence, you must be able to prove that the dog owner had a duty of care, they breached that duty, the victim suffered an injury because of that breach, and the dog owner was aware that harm was possible.

Statute of Limitations

If you decide to hold the right person accountable for a dog attack, it is vital that your case adheres to the state of Texas’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims, which includes dog bite claims. For most cases, you will have two years from the date of the attack to establish grounds for your claim, build a strong case, gather the evidence you need, consult with a dog bite lawyer, and file a claim for compensatory damages.

If you are not able to file your claim before two years have passed, there is a strong chance that your case will be thrown out, and your chance to seek compensation for your dog bite will pass with no legal action taken. Building a strong dog bite case can take time, so it’s recommended that you start building yours as soon as you can. If you are worried your case won’t be strong enough, bring it to an injury lawyer for an evaluation.

FAQs

What Is the Average Dog Bite Settlement in Texas?

There is no telling what the average dog bite settlement is in Texas. Every dog bite case is a unique experience for all involved. The amount you may receive in a dog bite settlement will be determined by the severity of your injury, your lawyer’s negotiation skills, and whether or not you can prove negligence as a contributing factor.

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite Case?

Technically, you do not need to hire a lawyer for a dog bite case. If you want to move forward on your own and attempt to recoup damages by yourself, you are within your legal rights to do so. However, it is recommended that you retain legal help any time you are dealing with legal trouble, particularly in a personal injury situation. A good lawyer can help you maximize your total settlement amount and make sure you aren’t taken advantage of.

How Serious Does a Dog Bite Have to Be to Take Legal Action?

In Texas, a dog bite doesn’t have to be serious for you to take legal action. Severity will come into play when determining compensation, but the injury itself does not need to be severe for you to file a claim. You will need to prove the dog owner’s negligence. The incident may leave you emotionally distressed and afraid of dogs, even if the bite wasn’t life-threatening. You can try to recoup damages for emotional distress.

What Proof Is Needed for a Dog Bite Case in Texas?

The proof you need for a dog bite case in Texas is anything that proves negligence. You won’t be able to win your case unless you can prove that the dog owner knew their dog was dangerous and did nothing to prevent it from attacking you. This proof can be evidence of the dog’s prior aggression, witness statements, records from animal control services, and even veterinary records that show the dog’s aggressive tendencies.

Reach Out to an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Dealing with the emotional and physical fallout of a dog attack can be a lot for you to handle on your own. The last thing you should also be worrying about is filing a legal claim without the help of an experienced dog bite lawyer. A talented lawyer can help you fight to be properly compensated and hold the right people accountable for what happened to you.

The legal team at Stevenson & Murray can provide you with the resources you need to pursue your case. We can develop your claim, gather evidence, and protect your interests throughout. Contact us to speak to a team member about how we can help your case.