Help for Houston Dog Attack Victims

If you have suffered serious injury after a dog bite injury in Houston, you are not alone. Houston is home to the highest rates of dog ownership in the country, at almost one dog per every two people, and was named the “dog bite capital of America” in 2018.

A dog bite can lead to several severe complications, including infection, fracture, and nerve damage. Treatment for these conditions can be costly, especially if a rabies vaccine is necessary., and a personal injury claim will give you your best chance at recovering these costs. You could also see compensation for the non-financial impacts of your injuries, including ongoing pain, anxiety, and physical disfigurement.

If you intend to pursue damages, you will need the assistance of an experienced legal representative. The Houston injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw have helped several clients pursue damages after dog bites. If you would like to learn more about our services, set up a free initial consultation and case review with one of our lawyers. To schedule yours, call 800-862-1260, where our telephone staff is available 24/7.

If you hope to receive a settlement for your dog bite, you should be able to demonstrate that the incident was the fault of the owner’s negligent behavior. Negligent dog ownership can take several forms, including:

• Failing to properly leash a dog
• Failing to provide adequate fencing around one’s yard, allowing a dog to escape
• Starving or otherwise abusing a dog, thus nurturing aggressive tendencies
• Failing to warn guests about a dog’s aggressive tendencies
• Intentionally goading a dog to attack

If you are unsure how likely your claim is to be successful, consult a personal injury attorney who provides help for Houston dog attack victims to discuss the specifics of your case.

If you are ultimately responsible for your injuries, your claim is unlikely to result in compensation. For example, if you were bitten while trespassing onto the owner’s property, you are most likely responsible for the attack, which will diminish your chances of receiving payment for damages. This is also the case if you were intentionally teasing the dog or if you ignored warnings from the owner about its aggressive behavior.

However, fault in a dog bite claim is not always immediately obvious. Even if you were partially responsible for your own injuries, it is possible that the owner was as well, and could still owe you a settlement. Speak to a Houston Tx dog bite attorney to help you determine who is likely to be at fault before moving forward with any legal action.

If your claim is compelling, the dog’s owner may opt to pay you a settlement to avoid going to court. That settlement will be calculated based on a few categories of damages.

• Economic damages will cover the financial consequences of your injuries. These might include hospital bills, medication (including rabies vaccination, if applicable) and lost wages.
• Noneconomic damages address the ways that a dog bite impacts your life beyond money. This might include compensation for physical pain, impairment, anxiety around dogs, and loss of enjoyment.
• Punitive, or non-compensatory, damages are occasionally awarded to a plaintiff if the defendant caused their injuries through malice or gross negligence. Your settlement may include punitive damages if the owner intentionally encouraged their dog to attack you.

If you are interested in pursuing legal action after a dog bite, our team of personal injury attorneys will be happy to assist you. To learn what to expect when working with our team, take a look at Carabin Shaw’s client reviews. To schedule your free consultation, call 800-862-1260 at any time.