Every year an estimated 4.5 billion people in the United States experience dog bites. Some of these bites result in serious injuries that can have catastrophic consequences for victims. It’s important to know that if you’ve been injured in a dog attack in Dallas, Texas, you have legal options. However, every situation is unique, and consulting with an attorney about your specific circumstances is an essential step in learning the best options for you.
The Impact of Dog AttacksIf you’ve been impacted by a serious dog bite in Dallas Tx, there is often a severe and long-lasting impact. These attacks can cause extensive physical damage, including disfigurement and scarring. The medical expenses also quickly add up. Hospitalization, medication, rehabilitation, and surgery may be required, and victims may be left with staggering bills as a result.
Physical attacks are also very traumatic experiences. Suffering from a dog attack often requires ongoing therapy, and greatly impacts one’s quality of life. They can result in conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. A chronic fear of dogs and discomfort around them is also extremely common. This can lead to isolating and avoidant behaviors, which often further exacerbate mental health concerns.
Liability: Establishing Responsibility in Dog Bite CasesTexas is among 16 states that abide by the “one bite rule.” Essentially, this means that with no prior history of aggression or attacks, or if the owner was unaware of any previous incidents, one must prove that the dog owner acted negligently in order to pursue compensation for a dog bite.
This controversial law protects dog owners from being held legally accountable in many cases. However, the laws surrounding the issue are complicated, and enlisting the help of personal injury lawyers to explore all options, and carry out negotiations can greatly impact the success of your case.
Legal Recourse Following a Dog AttackMost often, a personal injury lawsuit is necessary to recover damages for a dog bite injury in Dallas. Damages can be economic, non-economic, or punitive.
Economic losses may include:
Non-economic losses can include compensation for:
Punitive damages are designed to serve as punishment for reckless behavior and wrongdoing. They don’t cover any actual loss per se but are meant to deter dangerous actions and prevent similar incidents from occurring.
The damages that an individual is able to pursue, and the amount they are entitled to, will greatly vary. Having a lawyer assess your case is key to ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Get a Free Initial Consultation with Carabin ShawTo learn your options and get started on the path to recovering your losses, turn to the skilled Dallas attorneys at Carabin Shaw. Since our founding 28 years ago, we have won thousands of cases and millions of dollars, establishing ourselves as a top firm for personal injury cases. Our team is known for aggressively fighting for our clients and delivering justice. To learn more about what it's like to work with us, check out Carabin Shaw reviews.
When you are ready, call us toll-free at 800-862-1260 to get started on the road to justice. We have both English and Spanish-speaking staff ready to take your call 24/7. Know that we offer our services on a contingency fee basis, so we aren’t owed anything if we don’t win.
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